The Effect of Saliva Zink Levels with Nutrition Status of Elementary School Children in Air Beliti Puskesmas Year 2021

The impaired nutrition in children is a very important problem
because it has a direct impact on the growth and development of
children. Malnutrition in children can lead to micronutrient
deficiencies including zinc. Zinc is an important mineral found in
every cell and is needed to support the body's immune system, heal
wounds, help the ability to taste and smell and is needed in the DNA
synthesis process. The purpose of this study was to examine the
relationship between salivary zinc with the nutritional status of
elementary school children in the Air Beliti Public Health Center
work area. Methods: This study is an observational study with a
cross-sectional design. The study was conducted on 76 respondents
who met the inclusion criteria. Measurement of Height for Age to
determine the nutritional status of children and examination of
salivary zinc levels with the ELISA method to determine salivary
zinc levels. The data was analyzed using the Spearman correlation
test. Results: The results of the measurement of nutritional status
showed that 46.1% of children were stunted and 53.9% of children
had normal nutritional status. The results of the measurement of
salivary zinc levels showed that the average salivary zinc level in
stunted children was 1.96 mmol/L, while in children who were not
stunted, it was 2.43 mmol/L. Salivary zinc levels in stunted children
were lower than in children who were not stunted. Conclusions and
Suggestions: There is an effect of saliva zinc examination on the
nutritional status of schoolchildren. It is necessary to increase the
intake of nutrients, especially zinc, in children so that their
nutritional status is not disturbed. Also, check the nutritional status
of children by adding variables that can describe the nutritional
status of children in accordance with their development and growth.