摘要：Beta-carotene, one component of palm oil, is a precursor of vitamin A and functions as pro- vitamin A ; therefore, palm oil has the potential to be used as a food source to prevent the occurrence of vitamin A deficiency (VAD). This study aimed to determine the effect of a red palm oil emulsion on the plasma retinol levels of primary school children in a coastal area of Makassar City. Quasi-experimental research with a pre-test post-test design was conducted in the Cambaya Elementary School Sub District of Ujung Tanah Makassar City and involved 36 sixth-grade students who were divided into three treatment groups; each group consisted of 12 students. The first group was given 5 mL/day of red palm oil emulsion for one month. The second and the third group were given 10 and 15 mL/day, respectively, for one month. The plasma retinol levels were measured before and after one month of administration of the red palm oil emulsion. The research began with a hedonic test to determine the level of preference and consumer acceptance of the emulsion product and it continued with the intervention stage. The results showed that the most preferred emulsion product was an emulsion of red palm oil using a melon flavor. Giving the emulsion at a dose of 10 and 15 mL/day leads to a significant effect on the plasma retinol levels, which is characterized by a significant difference between the mean plasma retinol levels before and after the intervention (p<0.05); administration of the emulsion at a dose of 5 mL/day did not provide a significant effect, although it appears there was an increase in plasma retinol levels after the intervention. Finally, it can be concluded that the red palm oil emulsion did have an effect on the plasma retinol levels of primary school children.
