Relationship Between Total Protein and Energy Consumption and Hemoglobin Levels in Adolescents with High Body Mass Index

Introduction. Children and teenagers who are at risk of being overweight are twice as likely to experience iron deficiency, which can cause anemia. This study aimed to discuss the correlation between total protein and energy intake and hemoglobin levels in obese adolescents who were medical students. Materials and methods. This study employed a cross-sectional analytical method. Subject selection began by measuring body weight and height to determine BMI according to the selection category. Subsequently, a 24-hour recall interview was conducted to assess energy and protein intake on two weekdays and one weekend. To assess hemoglobin levels and red blood cell indices, blood samples were collected by the Clinical Pathology Laboratory at Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung. Results. A total of 13 samples aged 18-19 years who met the selection criteria had a protein intake of 68.79 g/day (SD 22.80 g/day), total energy intake of 1822.31 kcal/day (SD 441.34 kcal/day) and hemoglobin 15.4 g/dL (10.3-16.4 g/dL). Spearman's rho test showed a correlation of protein intake with hemoglobin levels r = 0.489, p > 0.05 and a correlation of total energy intake with hemoglobin levels r = 0.452, p > 0.05. Conclusion. There was no correlation between total protein and energy intake and hemoglobin levels in late-age adolescents who were obese at the Faculty of Medicine, Padjadjaran University, a class of 2016.