EFFECT OF RED SPINACH EXTRACT (Amaranthus tricolor L) ALLOTMENT TO INCREASE HAEMOGLOBIN LEVELS OF POLITEKKES FIRST YEAR STUDENTS IN MEDAN

Anemia refers to deficiency of erythrocytes and haemoglobin (Hb) which do not fulfill their function. This study is aimed at measuring the effect of treatment towards respondents having low Hb level by the consumption of red spinach extract (Amaranthus tricolor L) to increase Hb levels. This study is a quasi-experimental design method with pre- and post-test group design. There are 84 female respondents as samples coming from first year from Medan Midwifery Politechnic (or Politekkes Medan in local name). Their Hb levels were checked before they were given the extract. The results show that, based on the statistical test of independent t-test, the percentage reached 95% in confidence level. The average Hb level before administration of red spinach extract was noted to 11.955 g/dL (8.7 g/dL minimum and 13.7 g/dL maximum) and the average Hb level after the extract consumption was about 12,404 g/dL (8.1 g/dL minimum and 16.7 g/dL maximum). It is concluded that red spinach extract can increase the respondents’ Hb levels.