Konsumsi Protein, Zat Besi, dan Vitamin C terhadap Kejadian Anemia Remaja Putri di Asrama Wira Bhakti

Abstract

Anemia remains an important nutritional problem among adolescent girls because rapid growth, menstruation, and unbalanced diets increase iron requirements and may impair hemoglobin formation. The 2023 Indonesian Health Survey reported an anemia prevalence of 15.5% among adolescents and young adults aged 15-24 years, indicating that prevention efforts remain necessary. This study analyzed the association of protein, iron, and vitamin C intake with anemia among female students living at Wira Bhakti Integrated High School Dormitory. This analytical cross-sectional study analyzed 52 female students with complete data. Hemoglobin concentration was used to classify anemia status, while protein, iron, and vitamin C intake was assessed from dietary intake data and compared with the Indonesian recommended dietary allowances. Descriptive analysis and the chi-square test were applied. Most respondents were 16 years old and 63.5% were anemic. Mean hemoglobin concentration was 12.17±2.52 g/dL. Mean daily intakes were 52.03±14.37 g protein, 9.39±4.70 mg iron, and 40.82±28.25 mg vitamin C. Among anemic respondents, inadequate protein, iron, and vitamin C intake occurred in 63.6%, 84.8%, and 87.9%, respectively. Protein intake was associated with anemia (p=0.001), as were iron and vitamin C intake (both p<0.001). Inadequate protein, iron, and vitamin C intake was therefore more frequent among respondents with anemia. These findings support improving dietary diversity in the dormitory, balanced nutrition education, and appropriate iron supplementation.