Nutrition

Nutrition is a fundamental necessity of child’s life, health and development across the entire life span. Nutrition refers to the availability of energy and nutrients to the body’s cells in relation to body requirements (Garg et al. 2014). Adequate nutrition is essential for the optimal growth and health (Dutta et al. 2015). Nutrients and substances should be added to formulae for infants only in amounts that serve a nutritional or other benefit. The addition in amounts higher than those serving a benefit or the inclusion of unnecessary substances in formulae may put a burden on the infant’s metabolism and/or on other physiological functions (European Food Safety Authority 2014). Therefore, every country is recommended to establish nutrition surveillance of infants and young children regularly in order to develop strategies preventing ill health and poor growth (Michaelsen et al. 2003).

Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world. With a population of 240 million, it is the fourth most populous country in the world and the first in Southeast Asia (Infodent International 2012). Java Island, the most populous island in the world, is home to over half of Indonesia’s total population. The island is also home to Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital and largest city, with an approximate population of 8.8 million (Berry 2010). Rice has long served as the staple food for people in Indonesia. This habituation has faded with the increase in perception that food was synonymous to rice. Others like maize, potato, cassava, sweet potato and taro become staple food from all parts of the island (Nasution 2003).

In Indonesia, child malnutrition and mortality are continuing challenges faced by its government. From 2007 to 2011, malnutrition showed no significant reduction. The prevalence of stunting is especially high, affecting one out of every three children under five years of age (UNICEF Indonesia 2012). Wasting rates are also high. Nine of Indonesia’s 33 provinces have a wasting prevalence above 15 percent. Moreover, in 2010, 6 percent of children were severely wasted, which puts them at high risk of death. This rate had decreased from 6.2 percent in 2007 (World Vision Indonesia 2012).  Despite efforts to reduce malnutrition, the country is challenged by geographic heterogeneity (Indonesian Ministry of Health 2013).

In response to child malnutrition and mortality, the government has actively encouraged breastfeeding and applied restrictions to the advertising of milk formula (Euromonitor International 2009). Breastfeeding continues for the majority of Indonesian children well beyond the first year of life. Supplementary foods and liquids were introduced early (Inayati 2012). Overall, 32 percent of breastfed children age 6-23 months consumed fortified baby foods, 81 percent consumed food made from grains, 72 percent consumed fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin A, 50 percent had meat, fish, and poultry, and 46 percent consumed eggs. 26 percent of these children also received infant formula, 11 percent received other milk, and 8 percent received cheese, yogurt, or other milk products (Statistics Indonesia 2012). Children is one of the groups vulnerable to malnutrition among the causes is the low economic level and less balanced food intake and low parental knowledge (Anzarkusuma 2014).