The effect of combination syrup of dates (phoenix dactilyfera) and bee pollen on erythrocyte index in female adolescents with anemia

Abstract

Introduction: Anemia is a public health problem in developing and emerging countries worldwide. Anemia is defined as an abnormal decrease in the number and size of erythrocytes and the hemoglobin and hematocrit concentrations below normal. In addition to blood (Fe) tablets, one alternative functional food is dates and bee pollen, which can increase hemoglobin and erythrocyte levels. Objective: To assess the difference in changes in erythrocyte index before and after the intervention between the group-administered combination syrup (dates and bee pollen) and the group-administered date syrup. Method: This experimental study employs a non-equivalent control group design. The sample consisted of 26 female adolescents with anemia who were taken using a total sampling technique, 13 in the date syrup and 13 in the combination syrup (dates and bee pollen). Data were analyzed using Paired T-Test, Independent Sample T-Test, Wilcoxon Test, and Mann-Whitney Test. Results: The combination syrup (dates and bee pollen) affected the increase in erythrocyte index (MCV, MCH, MCHC) in anemic female adolescents, with a pre-post significance value of P<0.05.