Indonesia
Milk Prevents Stunting and Wasting
In the discussion an important finding by South East Asian Nutrition Survey (Seanuts) was also revealed about the effect of makro nutrient and mikro nutrient of vitamin and mineral upon optimal Superkids growth and development. Below can be your guide, Superparents:
– Vitamin D under 50 nmol/L on Indonesian children of 24-59 months is 41.4%, while on 5-12 years old is 46.7%.
– Anemia prevalence based on hemoglobin measure on children of 25-59 months 13.4 %, while on 5-12 years old is 12,7%.
– Bases on physical activity, it’s found that girls are more active than boys.
– For toddler, worse stunting condition occurs more on boys than girls with range about 2.2% while on children 5-12 years old. Worse stunting condition occurs more on boys than girls with difference about 1%.
– About 1.1% rural children suffer from severe wasting, 6.9% suffers from wasting.
From research performed by Seanuts also find information that Indonesian children are still suffer from lack of Vitamin D, and also lack of outdoor physical activity. And one of nutrient component that can fill in for the need of Vitamin D is calcium in milk.
“Milk contains about 100 IU vitamin D per 200 ml. it can cover the need of vitamin D about 25% per day. Milk also contains macro nutrient which is protein, carbohydrate and fat, and micro such as vitamin (vitamin D) and mineral (Calcium),” Dr. Fitra Ernawati, M.Sc, researcher of Persatuan Ahli Gizi Indonesia (PERSAGI), reveals.
The combination of micro and macro nutrient content can help prevent stunting and wasting. Energy gained from 2 glasses milk a day is 300-400 kilocalorie. This can help Superkids carrying out daily activities.
“Sun light is one factor of processing Vitamin D so it can be absorbed well by our body. Outdoor activities that exposing us to sun light will help better formation of vitamin D,” Fitra adds on.
So Superparents, make sure Superkids drink their milk and have outdoor activities, so they can get direct sun light!
NURUL L. IRFAN
PHOTO: 123RF
