RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ANIMAL PROTEIN DIETARY PATTERNS AND THE INCIDENCE OF ANEMIA IN ADOLESCENT GIRLS

Background: Adolescent girls have a higher risk of developing anemia than adolescent boys because they menstruate every month and often lack adequate nutritional intake. Irregular and unbalanced eating patterns are among the factors contributing to anemia. Protein intake in the community is still dominated by vegetable protein, which has a lower absorption capacity compared to animal protein. Animal protein is important because it provides heme iron, which has higher absorption than non-heme iron from plant sources. It contains complete essential amino acids needed for hemoglobin synthesis. Protein also plays a role in iron transport and metabolism through proteins such as transferrin and ferritin. Adequate animal protein intake helps maintain hemoglobin levels and prevents anemia, especially in adolescent girls who experience regular iron loss during menstruation. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between animal protein consumption patterns and the incidence of anemia among adolescent girls at Citeureup 1 Senior High School.Methods: This study used a case–control design. The population consisted of female adolescents from Citeureup 1 Senior High School who met the inclusion criteria. The total sample was 60 respondents (30 in the case group and 30 in the control group). Data were analyzed using the Chi-Square test.Results: The results showed a significant relationship between animal protein consumption patterns and the incidence of anemia among adolescent girls at Citeureup 1 Senior High School, with a p-value of 0.001 and an Odds Ratio (OR) of 145.Conclusion: The study concludes that adolescent girls need to maintain regular and balanced eating patterns to prevent anemia. Lower protein intake is associated with lower hemoglobin levels.