A comparison between extract Moringa oleifera and iron tablet on prevention low birth weight in pregnant mothers in Makassar, Indonesia

Abstract

Objective

Compare the effect of Moringa oleifera (MO) leaf extract and iron tablets on pregnant women on low birth weight.

Methods

This study used a Randomized Double-Blind design controlled by using a sample of non-anemic pregnant women. Birth weight was measured using a digital scale electrically after delivery. Analysis of data using two independent samples t-test.

Results

Overall, there were no significant different between intervention and control group in terms of birth weight (3104.57 ± 52 vs. 3022.29 ± 53 g), birth length (48.06 ± 2.4 vs. 48.68 ± 2.6 cm), and head circumference (33.72 ± 1.50 vs. 33.55 ± 1.47 cm). The number of low birth weight infants in the intervention group of 8.6% and 11.4% of control. There is no difference in birth weight between the intervention with the control group (p = 0.365).

Conclusion

M. oleifera (MO) leaf extract supplement has similar effect to iron folate supplement in terms of low birth weight incidence. It is recommended for the government to use MO supplement, as local source supplement, replacing iron-folic supplement in improving pregnancy outcomes. A further study is necessary to see the effect of MO supplement to other pregnancy outcomes, including maternal and child mortality.