Relationship between Nutrition Intake and Hemoglobin Levels in Toddlers Aged 12–24 Months

Abstract

Background: The toddler period is a crucial life period and needs special attention. Toddlers need to have a proper amount and good quality of nutrition from daily food to prevent anemia. This study aimed to explore the relationship between nutritional intake and Hb level in toddlers aged 12–24 months in Sumedang District, West Java, Indonesia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional quantitative conducted in August–November 2019 on 96 toddlers aged 12–24 months. Toddlers were recruited using proportioned simple random sampling method. The mothers of these toddlers were asked to complete a food record for three consecutive days for their toddlers. Data were then processed using the Nutrisurvey application while the hemoglobin (Hb) level was measured using a Digital Hb tool. All data were analyzed using a Pearson Correlation Test. Results: Most mothers of these toddlers graduated from senior high school (45.8%) and were housewives (78.1%). The iron requirement was met 61 toddlers (63.5%). Most toddlers were not anemic (56.3%) with a mean Hb of 10.99 gr/dl. A relationship was established between iron intake and Hb level (p=0.000). Conclusions: Low iron intake is associated with Hb level in toddlers aged 12-24 months in Sumedang District, West Java Province, Indonesia. A nutrition program needs to be well set-up for toddlers in this area.