Abstract

Adiba*, Sunarto Kadir, Vivien Novarina A. Kasim

ABSTRACT

Iron deficiency anemia remains a major public health problem, particularly among women of reproductive age. Low compliance with iron supplementation programs is a key challenge in the prevention of anemia. Dates and date extract, as natural sources of iron, vitamin C, folate, and antioxidants, have the potential to enhance iron absorption and hemoglobin synthesis. This study aimed to analyze the effects of iron tablets, iron tablets combined with dates, and date extract on hemoglobin levels among women of reproductive age in Gorontalo City. The research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group. The sample comprised 45 anemic women, divided into three intervention groups of 15 participants each. Hemoglobin levels were measured before and after 14 days of intervention using a hemoglobinometer. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and the Kruskal–Wallis test. The results indicated that all three interventions significantly increased hemoglobin levels. However, the combination of iron tablets and dates produced the highest improvement compared to iron tablets or date extract alone. This finding suggests a synergistic effect between pharmacological iron and the bioactive compounds in dates, enhancing absorption and hemoglobin formation. In conclusion, the combination of iron tablets and dates is the most effective intervention for improving hemoglobin levels among women of reproductive age and can serve as a culturally acceptable, food-based alternative for anemia prevention.