Impact of Dried Moringa Oleifera Leaves in Enhancing Hemoglobin Status

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This research project is aimed at combating the nutritional deficiencies (Iron deficiency anemia) of reproductive aged females belonging to the underprivileged group of the society. Since anemia is one of the causes of still child-birth, preterm and low birth weight babies causing cognitive disabilities during the later years of life, So, it needs to be treated on priority bases.

Detailed Description
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Mal-nutrition is a significant problem in the developing world, with serious consequences for human health and socio-economic development. It is estimated that over 43% women of reproductive age suffer from anemia. In Pakistan, about 35% non-pregnant and 51% pregnant women are suffering from anemia. Prevention and control against anemia rely on iron supplementation and food fortification on large scale. Both these methods are not affordable and feasible for poor people. Previous studies have shown that about 97% females do not meet their iron requirements. The possible reason to this can be iron losses from body including menstruation. To overcome these problems, culturally accepted, inexpensive and modified recipes were used to supply iron with addition of Moringa oleifera leaves (rich and cheap source of iron). In the study 34 of ages between 13-30 years were selected (excluding pregnant and lactating women) and were intervened with value added supplement  Moringa oleifera for a period of three months. These recipes were made part of the diet by giving a dose of three meals per day on regular basis. Each recipe contained about 15 g of Dried Moringa powder. After the intervention, out of total 34, 3 females achieved normal Hb level of 12 g/dl. Overall, 94% cases of the study showed improvement of 1.8 g/dl (on average) in Hb level after intervention. There was a significant increase in blood Hb level (p<0.000) and both the var5iables were strongly and positively correlated (0.928). Variables of age and levels of education were weakly but significantly related to each other (p<0.001) in improving Hb after intervention. Females with higher levels of education showed better response towards intervention. After intervention with Moringa oleifera, an average increase of 1.5 g/dl in Hb was observed in the entire population whereas, members of Group B (ages above 18) showed more increase of 14.96% in their Hb level as compared to members of Group A (ages below 18) showing an increase of 12.96% in Hb level.

Official Title
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Impact of Dried Moringa Oleifera Leaves as Value Added Supplement in Enhancing Hemoglobin Status of Reproductive Aged Females of Low Socio-economic Group

Conditions
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Anemia, Iron Deficiency

Intervention / Treatment
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* Dietary Supplement: Dried Moringa oleifera leaves


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Reproductive aged females (13-30 years) Exclusion Criteria: pregnant and Lactating women

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 13 Years
Maximum Age: 30 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Supportive Care
Allocation: Non-Randomized
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Interventional Model Description: In the study 34 of ages between 13-30 years divided into 2 age groups (below and above 18) were selected (excluding pregnant and lactating women) and were intervened with value added supplement  Moringa oleifera for a period of three months.
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Active Comparator: Group A (Below 18 years)<br>Dried Moringa oleifera leaves (15g/recipe) | Dietary Supplement: Dried Moringa oleifera leaves<br> <br> |
| Active Comparator: Group B (Above 18)<br>Dried Moringa oleifera leaves (15g/recipe) | Dietary Supplement: Dried Moringa oleifera leaves<br> <br> |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Improvement in Hemoglobin status | Comparison of Hb levels pre and post intervention | 3 months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Changes in BMI | Changes in BMI after improvement in Hb status | 5 months | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Hb, Anemia,