Relationship of Protein Intake with Hemoglobin and Reticulocyte Hemoglobin Levels in Pregnant Women

Anemia in pregnant women is a big problem in Indonesia, including West Sumatra. In the city of Padang, the provincial capital and the largest city in West Of the 23 Puskesmas in Padang City, the highest cases of anemia in pregnant women were recorded at the Pauh Puskesmas, which was 20%. One of the important causes of anemia is iron deficiency in the body of pregnant women. Iron deficiency during pregnancy occurs due to a doubling of the need for iron caused by an increase in blood volume to meet the mother's needs and the fetus's growth during pregnancy. Protein is the structure of hemoglobin. Therefore, protein intake is important in preventing iron deficiency in the blood, especially in pregnant women. The mother's hemoglobin and reticulocyte hemoglobin levels are normal if protein intake is suitable during pregnancy. This study used a cross-sectional research design at the Pauh Puskesmas and the Central Laboratory of RSUP Dr. M. Djamil Padang. The research sample is 62 pregnant women. Sampling using consecutive sampling. Data analysis used the computerized SPSS Pearson Correlation test (p<0.05). The results showed that the average protein intake, hemoglobin, and reticulocyte hemoglobin in the first, second, and third trimesters was 88.20 g, 84.48 g, 86.48 g, 11.86 g/dL, 11.42 g/dL, 11.13 g/dL, 29.32 pg, 29.83 pg, and 28.95 pg. Protein intake significantly correlated with hemoglobin levels. Protein intake was significantly associated with reticulocyte hemoglobin levels. The study concluded that there was a relationship between protein intake and hemoglobin and reticulocyte hemoglobin levels in pregnant women. Keywords: Pregnancy, Hemoglobin, Reticulocyte Hemoglobins, Protein Intake