Covid-19 Era in the Coastal Areas: The Cookies Formulation Gonad of Diadema setosum and its Impacts on Malnutrition During Infection

ABSTRACT

Infection with Salmonella typhi bacteria during the COVID-19 era has the potential to worsen malnutrition in children in low- and middle-income nations, particularly around the coast. Recent studies have demonstrated that one of the best strategies for preventing malnutrition is consuming local food sources from the sea, which are easy to acquire, inexpensive, and high in nutrients. In this study, 15 male mice were used as the test subjects. They were split into two groups the intervention group and the control group, both before and after intraperitoneal injection of Salmonella typhi. The intervention group was given dosages of cookies containing Diadema setosum gonad (0.40 mg/kg of body weight), whereas the control group received only a natural diet. The blood samples were then analyzed to measure their hemoglobin levels using the Sahli haemometer method, and serum albumin concentrations were determined using the bromocresol green method. The results show that the treatment with Diadema setosum gonad cookies had a significant effect on the levels of albumin and hemoglobin (Hb), as well as the body weights of the intervened mice, with a statistically significant increase (p<0.05). Conversely, BALB/c mice in the control group demonstrated a decrease in their initial food intakes, resulting in a significant reduction in body weight, albumin, and hemoglobin (Hb). This finding implies that the cookie formula with Diadema setosum gonad as the principal ingredient has potential benefits in lowering the incidence of malnutrition for children. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Enviro Research Publishers.