BENEFITS OF HALOGEN NUTRITION FOR HUMAN HEALTH IN PAPUA PROVINCE INDONESIA

Background: chemical elements class VIIA, was the most reactive element and the halogen element is not found free in nature. Halogen is derived from the word halo genes, which means salt forming. The halogen element is a non-metallic element consisting of Flourine (F2), Chlorine (Cl2), Bromine (Br2), Iodine (I2), and Astatine (At2). Halogens are very important in the field of nutrition, althougt it is needed in small amounts. One very important element to improve the nutritional status of pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers,baby,and toddlers namely the element iodine. But other elements such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and astatin, also needed by the body to improve the health status of the mother, children, and other age groups. The purpose of the study was know the history of the benefits of halogen nutrients for human and animal health in Papua Province of Indonesia. Methods: Qualitative research with phenomonology approach. The approach used in research is cultural, to describe the utilization of halogen nutrients, by the peoples of Papuan in Papua Province. Data collection uses in-depth interviews. Research Samples ware Elderly aged ≥ 60 years, who know the benefits of halogen nutrients. Research location was Jayapura and Jayawijaya Regencies in Papua Province Indonesia. Results: The results of the study proved that halogen nutrients are formed from coal mining materials. The halogen nutrient ware very necessary for forest animals to improved growth, development,and health status. In the past before there were Netherlands and Indonesian governments in Papua Province. Papuans who live in the mountains and valleys, had consumed halogen nutrients to improved nutritional status, growth and development, immune system to infectious diseases,and health status. The halogen nutrient is usually consumed by native Papuans and forest animals, whose lives ware far from edge of the sea, usually live in mountainous areas and valleys. The halogen nutrient becomes an essential nutrient that was needed by forest animals and humans, before they knew iodized salt in Papua Province Indonesia. Conclusion: Coal mining is the main source of halogen nutrients. The halogen nutrient is an essential nutrient needed by forest animals and humans to improved : nutritional status, growth and development, body immunity, prevention of infectious diseases, and health status.