Child growth is an internationally accepted outcome reflecting child nutritional status. Stunting is when children under five years old (toddlers) have a length or height less than their age – the condition by a length or height of more than minus two standard deviation of WHO’s median child growth standard. Stunting is irreversible due to inadequate nutrition and repeated infections during the first 1000 days of child’s life. Childhood stunting is one of the most significant barriers to human development and globally affects an estimated 162 million children under five. Stunting has long-term association on individuals and society, including decreased cognitive and physical development, reduced productive capacity and poor health.
Indonesia has the world’s fourth-largest population. Indonesia also has strategic geographic location, with abundant natural resources. With 52% of Indonesia’s population of 270 million consisting of young people between ages 18 and 39 years old, spanning both Millennial and Gen Z generations, Indonesia’s youth will shape the nation’s future. That generation will be the future of the nation, so they must grow well in order to become intelligent, creative, and productive human to support the nation’s success. But if children born and grow up with malnutrition, it will become a burden on the country.
The prevalence of child stunting in Indonesia has remained high over the past decade, and at the national level is approximately 37%. From Survei Status Gizi Indonesia (SSGI) 2022 data, it can be seen that from 2021 to 2022, Indonesia experienced a decrease in stunting rates by 2,8%. In the Southeast Asia Region, the prevalence of stunting in Indonesia is the second highest after Cambodia. Stunting prevention needs to focus on addressing the direct and indirect causes of nutrition problems. Direct causes include inadequate nutrient intake and infectious diseases.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is one the most important micronutrients affecting the health of children. Vitamin A is essential for optimal growth and development. Vitamin A supplementation programmes significantly reduce infant mortality as well as the incidence of xerophthalmia, respiratory infection, and morbidity from gastrointestinal disease.
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D, a fat-soluble steroid hormone, promotes calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) absorption in the intestinal tract and enhances bone mineral metabolism. At birth, human infants have a limited amount of vitamin D stores that primarily reflect transfer from the mother during pregnancy. Vitamin D is required to maintain blood calcium and bone health. The consequences of vitamin D deficiency in infancy classically manifest as soft malformed bones (rickets), seizures due to low blood calcium and difficulty breathing.
Vitamin B Complex (Thiamine HCl, Riboflavin, Nicotinamide, Pyridoxine HCl)
Thiamine enhances circulation and helps in blood formation, carbohydrate metabolism, and proper digestion. Thiamine optimizes brain function and cognitive activity. Riboflavin is necessary for red blood formation, cellular respiration, and growth. It alleviates eye fatigue and supports metabolism. This vitamin helps promote proper circulation and healthy skin. It supports the nervous system and metabolism. Pyridoxine is involved in more functions than almost any other single nutrient. It is beneficial if you suffer from water retention, and it is necessary to promote red blood formation.
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocabalamine)
Vitamin B12 as a regulator of fetal growth, plays an important role in cellular metabolism, affecting cell growth and differentiation by influencing DNA synthesis and epigenetic regulation. Vitamin B12 insufficiency is mainly associated with a high risk of failure to thrive, hematological problems, and short- and long-term effects on neurological and cognitive functions.
Vitamin C
Ascorbic acid commonly known as vitamin C, is water soluble vitamin, antioxidant and immune-response enhancer essential for human survival, commonly associated with the development of scurvy and its complications if ascorbic acid deficient. It’s essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, enhancing iron absorption, and producing collagen, the most abundant protein in the human body, vitamin C also functions as an antioxidant.
Vitamin B5 (Dexpanthenol)
Dexpanthenol is an analogue of vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid. Dexpanthenol is necessary for making blood cells, and it helps convert the food into energy.
L-Lysine Monohydrochloride
Lysine is an essential amino acid that is primarily used for protein synthesis. A deficiency in the intake of lysine limits protein synthesis and causes weight loss in infants. The dietary intake of amino acids is important for the rate of protein synthesis and growth.
The prevention of stunting needs coordination between sectors and involves various stakeholders such as the Government, Local Government, the business world, the general public, and others. PT Simex Pharmaceutical Indonesia as one of the pharmaceutical companies in Indonesia also helps to support the government's plan to prevent stunting in children for a better future of the Indonesia. Fulfill children's nutrition as early as possible from newborn baby!
