effectiveness of Moringa leaf extract capsules since preconception on Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels in breast milk of three months breastfeeding mothers

Abstract

Introduction: Moringa leaf extract is a local food source that can affect the level of DHA in the breast milk of nursing mothers. This study aimsto analyze the effectiveness of Moringa leaf extract capsules on levels of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) in the breast milk of 3 months breastfeeding mothers. Method: This quantitative study is an observational study with a retrospective Cohort study approach (follow-up study). The design used was post-test control by analyzing the difference in DHA levels in the group given Moringa leaf extract capsules + Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) and the Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) group with 32 respondents (nursing mothers).In detail, 16 respondents given Moringa leaf extract capsule + Iron-Folic Acid (IFA)and 16 respondents givenIron-Folic Acid (IFA). Besides, the breast milk samples were examined by using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique and were then analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results: The results indicated that there were differences in the levels of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) in the breast milk of breastfeeding mothers for three months between the group given Moringa leaf extract capsules + Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) 3046 ± 1716and the group given Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) 1188 ± 1026.