This study aims to determine the right dose of zinc in the administration of pumpkin seed flour to increase zinc levels in malnutrition Wistar rats.
MethodsThis study was a true experiment, by designing pre and post-controlled group designs. Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were malnourished. Each group was given feed in the form of corn every day for 14 days of intervention. Data were analyzed using Paired t-test and ANOVA.
ResultsThe results showed significant body weight gain for all groups when comparing baseline (p<0.0001, p=0.024, p=0.035, and p=0.008, respectively, for C, PSF1, PSF2, and PSF3). However, there was no difference in body weight at the end of the intervention for all groups (p>0.05).
ConclusionThis study concludes that pumpkin flour in malnourished Wistar rats increasing body weight and serum zinc levels. Further research is needed on effective doses which significantly increase serum zinc levels.