THE CORRELATION BETWEEN FREE RADICALS AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN ELEMENTARY STUDENTS OF INPRES PANNAMPU III ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, TALLO, MAKASSAR. Ika yustisia1,2, Andi Sriana2, Marhaen Hardjo2, Gita Vita Soraya1,2
1. Graduated School, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia.
2. Departement of Biochemistry, Faculity of medicine, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia.
Abstract
Objective. This study aims to prove the existence of a relationship between free radicals and nutritional status of Inpres Pannampu III Elementary School students, Tallo District, Makassar City. If there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, oxidative stress will occur which can affect the nutritional status of children. Nationally, the prevalence of malnutrition based on body weight in children in Indonesia is still quite high.
Methods. This research was conducted in an analytic observational study with a cross sectional design. Samples and anthropometric measurements were conducted in Inpres Elementary School of Pannampu III, Tallo, Makassar City while Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in Biochemistry laboratory of Medical Faculty, Hasanuddin University.
Results. The results of this research indicate that the average MDA levels in students urine is 4.92 more or less 2.33 mg. Highest level of MDA found is 13.17 mg while the lowest found is 1.00 mg. Average respondents BMI is 17.11 more or less 3.46 kg. Highest BMI is 28.77 kg and the lowest BMI is 9.57 kg. Statistical analysis using linear regression method for correlation test between MDA levels and respondents nutritional status showed significance level of 0.004 (pless than 0.05) which means there is a significant relationship between free radical levels with respondents nutritional status.
Conclusion. Result of a correlation test between MDA levels as free radical marker with respondents nutritional status shows a significant relationship (p equal 0.004 less than 0.05) that is, higher levels of MDA indicates lower BMI.
