The Impact Of Biscuits Fortified Using Pumpkin Seeds On Nutritional Status Of Adolescents: A Randomized Single- Blind Controlled Trial

This research assessed the effect of biscuit fortified using pumpkin seeds on nutritional intake, nutritional status, and plasma zinc level of the adolescent. As many as 40 participants were chosen randomly to be provided biscuit added by pumpkin seeds (intervention) and biscuit without additional pumpkin seeds (control) for 4 weeks. The study found that Intake for protein, fat, and energy increased significantly in the intervention group (p=0.012, p=0.004, p=0.003, respectively) but not in the control group. Similarly, micronutrient intakes, such as Fe and zinc, were also increased significantly (p= 0.000, p=0.003, respectively). There was no difference found in the nutritional status and zinc level between the intervention and control group after the intervention (2.7±10.28 vs 2.81±13.49, p>0.005). In conclusion, the consumption
of biscuit added by pumpkin seeds can increase the nutritional intake so that it can be a healthy snack for the adolescent. A further trial measuring micronutrient level in the blood is warranted.