An Overview Of The Adequacy Of Nutrition In Vegetarian Young Women In The Indonesian Vegetarian Society (IVS) Medan City

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Introduction

The popularity of a vegetarian lifestyle is increasing in Indonesia, with more and more people choosing to adopt a plant-based diet. However, this choice can have an impact on nutritional adequacy, especially for young women who are in the period of growth and development. Research has shown that vegetarian adolescents often suffer from deficiencies in essential nutrients such as iron and vitamin B12, which are crucial for health and physical development.

Nutritional Deficiencies in Vegetarian Young Women

Vegetarian young women are at a higher risk of experiencing nutritional deficiencies due to their dietary choices. A study conducted by Siallagan, Swamilaksita, and Space (2016) found that vegetarian adolescents often lack essential nutrients such as iron and vitamin B12. These deficiencies can have a negative impact on their health and development, including growth disorders, fatigue, anemia, and other health problems.

The Indonesian Vegetarian Society (IVS) Medan City

The Indonesian Vegetarian Society (IVS) in Medan is one of the largest vegetarian organizations in the city. The organization has many members of young women who need to be considered in terms of nutritional adequacy. To find out the picture of the adequacy of nutrition in vegetarian young women in IVS Medan City, a descriptive research was conducted on 52 members of young women.

Methodology

The research was conducted using a descriptive research design. Data was collected through interviews using the 'Food Recall' questionnaire for 24 hours. The data was then analyzed using nutrisurvey and presented in the form of frequency distribution tables.

Results

The results of the study showed an alarming condition. All respondents (100%) experienced a lack of energy and protein, which is very important for growth and development. In addition, a lack of minerals such as iron, zinc, and calcium was also found in all respondents. In fact, 75% of respondents lacked vitamin A, which is important for eye and skin health. Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B12, and D were also lacking in all respondents, and vitamin C was lacking in 84.6% of respondents.

Implications of Malnutrition

The malnutrition found in the study can have a negative impact on the health and development of young women. The lack of essential nutrients can lead to growth disorders, fatigue, anemia, and other health problems. Therefore, it is very important for the Medan City IVS to schedule counseling or counseling programs in groups and individually by health experts and nutritionists.

Counseling Programs

Counseling programs can include education regarding:

Vegetable Food Sources Rich in Iron, Zinc, Calcium, and Vitamin

  • Provide information about the choice of vegetable foods that are rich in nutrients and how to process it so that the nutritional content is maintained.
  • Explain how to increase the absorption of iron from vegetable foods, such as eating vitamin C-rich foods along with iron-rich foods.
  • Explain when and how to use supplements to meet nutritional needs that are difficult to meet through food.
  • Provide guidance in choosing a balanced food menu that meets nutritional needs every day.

Importance of Supplementation

  • Explain when and how to use supplements to meet nutritional needs that are difficult to meet through food.

Balanced Menu Selection

  • Provide guidance in choosing a balanced food menu that meets nutritional needs every day.

Individual Consultations

In addition to the extension program, IVS Medan City can also cooperate with nutritionists to provide individual consultations to vegetarian teenage girls. This consultation can help them to make a meal plan that is tailored to their nutritional needs and health conditions.

Conclusion

The study found that vegetarian young women in the Indonesian Vegetarian Society (IVS) Medan City experience a lack of essential nutrients, including energy and protein, minerals, and vitamins. This malnutrition can have a negative impact on their health and development. Therefore, it is very important for the Medan City IVS to schedule counseling or counseling programs in groups and individually by health experts and nutritionists. With this program, it is expected to increase the awareness of vegetarian young women about the importance of balanced nutritional intake and help them in meeting the nutritional needs needed for their health and development.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations are made:

  • The Medan City IVS should schedule counseling or counseling programs in groups and individually by health experts and nutritionists.
  • The counseling programs should include education regarding vegetable food sources rich in iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamin, importance of supplementation, and balanced menu selection.
  • The IVS Medan City should cooperate with nutritionists to provide individual consultations to vegetarian teenage girls.
  • The IVS Medan City should provide guidance in choosing a balanced food menu that meets nutritional needs every day.

By implementing these recommendations, it is expected to increase the awareness of vegetarian young women about the importance of balanced nutritional intake and help them in meeting the nutritional needs needed for their health and development.

Q: What are the common nutritional deficiencies found in vegetarian young women?

A: The common nutritional deficiencies found in vegetarian young women include a lack of energy and protein, minerals such as iron, zinc, and calcium, and vitamins such as vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B12, and D.

Q: Why are vegetarian young women at a higher risk of experiencing nutritional deficiencies?

A: Vegetarian young women are at a higher risk of experiencing nutritional deficiencies due to their dietary choices. A plant-based diet can be low in certain nutrients, such as iron and vitamin B12, which are found in animal products.

Q: What are some ways to increase iron absorption in vegetarian young women?

A: Some ways to increase iron absorption in vegetarian young women include eating vitamin C-rich foods along with iron-rich foods, cooking in cast iron cookware, and avoiding tea and coffee with meals.

Q: What are some vegetable food sources that are rich in iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamin?

A: Some vegetable food sources that are rich in iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamin include:

  • Iron-rich foods: spinach, beans, lentils, and fortified cereals
  • Zinc-rich foods: pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and fortified cereals
  • Calcium-rich foods: fortified plant milk, dark leafy greens, and tofu
  • Vitamin-rich foods: sweet potatoes, carrots, and fortified plant milk

Q: Why is supplementation important for vegetarian young women?

A: Supplementation is important for vegetarian young women because it can help fill nutritional gaps in their diet. Vegetarian young women may need to take supplements to meet their daily needs for certain nutrients, such as vitamin B12 and iron.

Q: What are some signs and symptoms of malnutrition in vegetarian young women?

A: Some signs and symptoms of malnutrition in vegetarian young women include fatigue, weakness, hair loss, brittle nails, and poor wound healing.

Q: How can vegetarian young women ensure they are getting enough nutrients in their diet?

A: Vegetarian young women can ensure they are getting enough nutrients in their diet by:

  • Eating a variety of plant-based foods
  • Including fortified foods in their diet
  • Taking supplements as needed
  • Consulting with a registered dietitian or nutritionist for personalized advice

Q: What role can the Indonesian Vegetarian Society (IVS) Medan City play in promoting nutrition education for vegetarian young women?

A: The Indonesian Vegetarian Society (IVS) Medan City can play a significant role in promoting nutrition education for vegetarian young women by:

  • Providing counseling and education programs on nutrition and health
  • Collaborating with registered dietitians and nutritionists to provide personalized advice
  • Offering resources and support for vegetarian young women to make informed food choices

Q: How can vegetarian young women get involved in promoting nutrition education in their community?

A: Vegetarian young women can get involved in promoting nutrition education in their community by:

  • Volunteering with the Indonesian Vegetarian Society (IVS) Medan City
  • Participating in nutrition education programs and workshops
  • Sharing their knowledge and experiences with others to promote healthy eating habits

By answering these frequently asked questions, we hope to provide valuable information and resources for vegetarian young women to promote healthy eating habits and nutrition education in their community.