Efficacy of Red Palm Oil and Carrot Noodle on Blood Retinol, IgG and Nutritional Status of Children Aged 7-9 Years

Abstract

The main objectives of this study were to analyze the efficacy of red palm oil (RPO) and carrot instant noodles in improving serum retinol levels, IgG levels and nutritional status compared to control group. RPO and carrot noodles were given to elementary school children 7-9 year of age (n = 11, respectively) once a day (50 g/ss) for 8 week. In quacy experimental design, the levels of serum retinol and IgG were measured twice in before and after intervention. Before intervention more than 60% children of control, RPO and carrot group had marginal vitamin A status, which had mean serum retinol of 17.57, 16.87 and 17.28 μg/dL, respectively. After intervention mean serum retinol were 21.32, 23.49 and 20.87 μg/dL, respectively and the percentage of marginal status of vitamin A were decreased. There were no significant differences in serum retinol levels among all groups before and after intervention. Mean IgG levels of control, RPO and carrot group were 2.05, 2.61 and 3.61 IU/mL at baseline and 5.30, 14.89 and 9.16 IU/mL as follow-up at end line, respectively. There were no significant differences in the IgG level among all group before intervention, while there were significant differences between IgG level of RPO versus control and carrot group after intervention. Mean nutritional status (weight for age) of control, RPO and carrot group were -1.73, -2.04 and -1,86 at baseline and -1.41, -1.77 and -1,46 as follow-up at end line, respectively. There were no significant differences in nutritional status among all groups before and after intervention.