Effect of Moringa Royal Jelly on the Nutritional Status and Cognitive Level of Adolescent Girls

Effects of Moringa Oleifera and Royal Jelly Supplementation on Nutritional Status and Cognitive Function in Adolescent Girls in Takalar District, South Sulawesi, Indonesia: Protocol Study

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether a locally developed supplement called MRJ - a combination of Moringa oleifera (drumstick tree) extract and royal jelly - can improve the nutritional status and cognitive function of adolescent girls more effectively than standard iron and folic acid (IFA) tablets.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

Does MRJ supplementation lead to better improvements in nutrition (e.g., hemoglobin, body measurements)?

Does MRJ supplementation enhance cognitive function compared to IFA tablets?

Researchers will compare MRJ capsules to IFA tablets (the standard of care) among adolescent girls.

Participants will:

Take 2 MRJ capsules per week (intervention group) or 1 IFA tablet per week (control group) for 12 months

Receive nutrition education via short TikTok-based videos

Have their adherence monitored weekly by teachers and through WhatsApp photos

Measurements will be taken at the start, 6 months, and 12 months, including:

Height, weight, and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC)

Hemoglobin levels via finger-prick blood test

Dietary intake using a 24-hour recall and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ)

Cognitive function assessed with the Culture Fair Intelligence Test (CFIT)

Participants are healthy junior and senior high school girls aged 10-18 years from Galesong Selatan, Takalar District, South Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Potential side effects (e.g., nausea or stomach discomfort) will be monitored according to school health protocols.

The findings may support the use of culturally appropriate, nutrient-rich interventions for improving adolescent girls' health and future well-being.

This clinical trial aims to evaluate whether a locally produced supplement, MRJ (a combination of Moringa oleifera extract and royal jelly), can improve nutritional status and cognitive function among adolescent girls in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, compared to the standard iron and folic acid (IFA) tablets provided by the government. If proven effective, MRJ may serve as a culturally acceptable and nutrient-rich alternative to support adolescent health and development.

Inclusion Criteria:

• (1) Age 10-19 years (2) Adolescent girls' who are active in grades 1 and 2 (junior high and senior high)

Exclusion Criteria:

• (3) Severe nutritional or health conditions (e.g., severe anemia, severe malnutrition, allergies), determined through clinical histories and validated self-reports.