Effect of Moringa Leaf Powder Intake on Complete Blood Count among female Hostellers with iron deficiency anaemia

Abstract

Background: Anaemia is a major concern affecting women globally and is mostly caused by iron
deficiency. Adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable due to various factors such as poor diet, puberty,
excessive menstrual blood loss, and parasitic infestation. Adequate nutrition, including regular intake of ironrich
foods
like
Moringa
oleifera,
can
prevent
or
treat
the
condition.
This
study
was
conducted
to
determine
the

impact

of powdered moringa leaf consumption on Hb and red cell indices in female hostellers with iron
deficiency anaemia (IDA). Methods: Total 171 subjects were recruited for the study and randomly allocated
into intervention and control group. Intervention group (n=80) received 30gms of moringa leaves powder
daily, to be mixed with 100ml of water and consume in the morning on empty stomach whereas, control
group (n=80) were given same amount of water to drink and the duration of intervention was 12 weeks. Pre
and post assessment of CBC was done at the baseline and after 12weeks of intervention respectively.
Results: The overall comparison between groups has shown a significant difference in hemoglobin, MCV,
MCHC, WBC count, RBC count, hematocrit and platelets. In the intervention group, a significant
improvement (p<0.01) was seen in Hb, red cell indices, Hematocrit, RDW, RBC and WBC counts postintervention.
Conclusion:
This
study
showed
a
significant
improvement
in
hemoglobin
and
red
cell
indices

after
Moringa
leaf
powder
consumption;
Hence
this
could
be
an
ideal
treatment
of
choice
for
those
suffering

from
IDA
with
a
benefit
of
its
affordability
and
accessibility.