The intervention of anchovy (Stokphorus commrsouli) calcium extract could elevate calcium levels during pregnancy and give birth and promote bone development: An in vivo study Supriyana1, Siregar Irma H.Y.1,*, Sunarjo Lanny1, Aryati Endah1, Fatmawati Dina2 1Department of Dental Nursing, Polytechnic Health Ministry of Semarang, Semarang, Indonesia 2Faculty of Medicine, Sultan Agung Islamic University, Semarang, Indonesia *Corresponding Author: Irma H.Y. Siregar, Department of Dental Nursing, Polytechnic Health Ministry of Semarang, Semarang, Indonesia, Email: irmasiregar65@gmail.com
Online published on 4 July, 2024. Abstract Background During pregnancy, calcium deficiency has become a frequent phenomenon. Calcium intake is essential for supporting maternal and fetal health to maintain calcium homeostasis and promotes bone formation. Anchovy is a high calcium source from marine. The anchovy diet impact on fetal development during pregnancy is inconclusive. Therefore, Anchovy Calcium Extract (ACE) effect on calcium homeostasis and bone formation was studied. Methods Female Sprague Dawley rats were grouped into three: without ACE administration, with ACE administration prior to mating until two weeks post-labor and with ACE administration after pregnancy confirmation until two weeks post-labor. Blood calcium levels and bone hardness were measured. Result ACE improved maternal's and offspring's calcium levels. ACE also provided adequate blood calcium levels during pregnancy, labor and breastfeeding. In addition, ACE improve maternal bone firmness but has no significant effect on its offspring. In conclusion, ACE has excellent potential as a dietary supplement to promote adequate calcium requirements for maternal and infant health. Top Keywords Anchovy's calcium extract, Blood calcium levels, Bone hardness, Pregnancy. Top |