The Effectiveness of Coconut Water (Cocos nucifera L.) on Hemoglobin Levels in Health Polytechnic Students Ministry of Health of East Kalimantan

Abstract

Anemia remains a prevalent health concern among university students, particularly females, and is associated with reduced concentration, decreased productivity, and diminished quality of life. Coconut water (Cocos nucifera L.) proposed as a potential natural alternative for improving hemoglobin levels due to its mineral and nutrient that supports erythropoiesis.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of coconut water consumption on hemoglobin concentration among students of Poltekkes Kemenkes Kaltim. A quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group was employed. Twenty-seven participants were allocated into three groups: experimental group received 300 mL of coconut water daily for seven days, positive control group received iron tablets, and negative control group received no intervention. Hemoglobin concentration was measured on day 1 and day 7 using the Cyanmethemoglobin method, and data were analyzed with the Paired T-test.

The findings demonstrated a decline in hemoglobin levels across all groups. In the coconut water group, mean hemoglobin decreased from 14.6 g/dL to 12.7 g/dL. The Fe tablet group showed a reduction from 13.9 g/dL to 12.4 g/dL, while the negative control group decreased from 13.6 g/dL to 13.2 g/dL. These decreases are presumed to be influenced by extraneous, non-intervention factors rather than the treatments administered.