The role of iron enhancer intake frequency in iron-deficiency anemia among adolescent girls in Purwokerto

Izka Sofiyya Wahyurin* -  Nutrition Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Purwokerto, Indonesia
Jennifer Novitasari -  Nutrition Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Purwokerto, Indonesia
Hiya Alfi Rahmah -  Nutrition Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Purwokerto, Indonesia
DOI : 10.30867/action.v11i2.3116

Iron-deficiency anemia remains a critical health concern among adolescents, primarily influenced by dietary patterns that affect the bioavailability of iron. A 2023 screening in the Banyumas District reported a 36.7% prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls. This cross-sectional analytical study, conducted from August to September 2025, aimed to examine the association between the frequency and timing of meals of dietary iron enhancers and inhibitors and the risk of iron-deficiency anemia. Seventy-eight female students aged 14–17 years were selected using proportional purposive sampling. Hemoglobin levels were measured using a Hemoglobin Meter, with anemia defined as Hb <12 g/dL. Dietary intake was assessed using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and 24-hour recalls, focusing on enhancer intake frequency (rarely: score <2.1; frequently: score ≥2.1) and the timing of consumption for both enhancers and inhibitors. Data analysis employed Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, with associations reported as Prevalence Ratios (PR). The prevalence of anemia was 39.3%. Frequent consumption of iron enhancers significantly reduced the risk of anemia by 84.7% compared with rare intake (PR = 0.153, p = 0.016). Conversely, frequent intake of inhibitors increased the odds of anemia (OR = 2.315, p = 0.008). Meal timing for both enhancers and inhibitors showed no significant association with anemia (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the frequency of iron enhancer intake is the primary dietary factor influencing anemia risk, outweighing the significance of its timing of consumption.

Keywords : Iron deficiency anemia, Adolescents, Iron enhancers, Iron inhibitors, School-based study

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Open Access Copyright (c) 2026 Izka Sofiyya Wahyurin, Jennifer Novitasari, Hiya Alfi Rahmah
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AcTion: Aceh Nutrition Journal
Published by: Department of Nutrition at the Health Polytechnic of Aceh, Ministry of Health.
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