Title:The Effect of Potato Almond Orange Cookies on their Weight, BMI, Hemoglobin, and Lymphocyte Status of Undernourished Older People during COVID-19 Pandemic
Volume: 17
Issue: 7
Author(s): Fatmah*
Affiliation:
- Disaster Management Study Program of School of Environmental Science Universitas Indonesia, Central Jakarta, DKI Jakarta Province,Indonesia
Keywords:
Undernourished older people, COVID-19, weight, BMI, Hb level, lymphocyte level.
Abstract:
Background: Older people vulnerability to COVID-19 is related to the presence of comorbidities,
diseases, and low immunity. Undernutrition conditions make them prone to anemia
(low hemoglobin/Hb), and low lymphocyte level brings a higher risk for COVID-19 infection.
Objective: To assess the effect of potato almond orange cookies on weight, Hb, and lymphocyte
levels of undernourished older people amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: This 3-week randomized controlled trial involved 48 subjects > 60 years, divided randomly
into treatment group (potato almond orange cookies) and control groups (potato almond
cookies). Lymphocyte and Hb were collected before and after the study. Both groups received
nutrition education. The analysis was performed using an independent t-test and paired t-test.
Results: Weight gained in the treatment group (0.7 kg) was significantly different from the control
group (p=0.002), with a 0.3 point change observed in the BMI of the treatment group.
Changes were also seen in vitamin C intake in treatment group (+10.3 mg, p = 0.03) and vitamin
E intake in both groups (+4.6 mcg, p = 0.001 and +2.9 mcg, p = 0.001, respectively), but not for
inter-group. Weight, Hb, and lymphocyte level increased in both groups, with the highest weight
increased in the treatment group while the highest Hb increased in the control group. The lymphocyte
increased 1 point in both groups. Weight, Hb, and lymphocyte level differences were insignificant
between the two groups.
Conclusion: Potato almond orange consumption tends to increase weight, Hb, and lymphocyte
level in undernourished older people during the COVID-19 pandemic.