Complementary feeding innovation from soybean flour and dragon fruit peel powder: An agricultural adaptation strategy to enhance hemoglobin and iron outcomes

Malnutrition in early childhood is a contributor to stunting in Indonesia, with prevalence still above the WHO target. One key cause is the inadequacy of complementary feeding in providing sufficient micronutrients, especially iron, which is essential for hemoglobin synthesis. Local food innovations such as soybean flour and dragon fruit peel powder offer potential as nutrient-dense and antioxidant-rich complementary foods. This study evaluated the effectiveness of complementary feeding made from soybean flour and dragon fruit peel powder in improving hemoglobin (Hb) and iron (Fe) levels. A true experimental pre-test and post-test control group design was conducted with three groups: negative control (K–, standard diet), positive control (K+, protein diet), and treatment (P, supplemented diet). The intervention lasted 28 days. Hemoglobin and serum iron levels were measured using spectrophotometry and analyzed t-tests and ANOVA (p<0.05). Results showed significant Hb improvement in all groups (K– p=0.006; K+ p=0.003; P p=0.000), with the highest increase in the treatment group. Between-group analysis confirmed significant differences in Hb and Fe between treatment and controls (p=0.000). In conclusion, complementary feeding innovation using soybean flour and dragon peel powder effectively improved Hb and Fe, supporting its role as an agricultural adaptation strategy to combat malnutrition and stunting.