Jakarta –
Stunting is still a problem that is often found in the process of a child’s development. Stunting in Indonesia is also a problem that has not been completely resolved.
The good news, citing the results of the Indonesian Ministry of Health’s survey on nutritional status (SSGI), the prevalence of stunting in Indonesia has decreased from 24.4% in 2021 to 21.6% in 2022.
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has also targeted that in 2024, the prevalence of stunting in Indonesia should reach 14%. Of course, to achieve the target set by Jokowi, there needs to be real action from the community to prevent children from being stunted.
It is known, stunting occurs because children lack the nutritional intake needed to support their growth. Stunting can be caused by low access to nutritious food, especially low food diversity and sources of animal protein and low intake of vitamins and minerals.
Even so, one of the dilemmas that may be experienced by parents is when their child has an allergy to cow’s milk. Of course this must be watched out for because children are at risk of experiencing stunting, right?
Reported from Metro UKscientists from the United States claim school-age children who are allergic to cow’s milk have a tendency to have lower body weight and shorter height than their peers who drink cow’s milk.
Child allergist and immunologist from the Children’s National Health System in Washington DC, Dr. Karen Robbins said the relationship between food allergies and growth patterns in childhood is very complex.
“The relationship between food allergy and childhood growth patterns is very complex, and it is not yet known exactly the mechanism between the effects of food allergy and growth retardation in children,” added Dr. Robbins as quoted from Metro, Monday (6/3/2023) .
“Our research was conducted to find out this, but further studies are still needed whether this growth delay is temporary or not.” he continued.
Researchers have routinely recorded weight, height and comorbid conditions such as asthma, eczema and seasonal allergies, as well as inhaler use. They calculated the average difference in height, weight and body mass index (BMI) z-score. This was done to compare the condition of normal children of their age.
From this study, Dr. Robbins said that children who are allergic to milk have a lower average weight and height when compared to children who are allergic to nuts.
“This growth deficit remains prominent in the five to eight year and nine to 12 year age range,” said Dr Robbins.
Although not absolute, children who are allergic to cow’s milk are said to have a higher tendency to experience stunting. This is also corroborated by a journal created by R Meyer of the Department of Paediatrics, Imperial College, London and colleagues.
Data from 430 patients from 12 allergy centers, the median age at diagnosis was 8 months and the median age at analysis was 23 months, stating that 6% of children were underweight, 9% stunted, 5% malnourished and 8 % are overweight.
Children who do not get cow’s milk tend to be underweight and experience stunting when compared to children with other food allergies.
So what makes researchers think an allergy to cow’s milk has an impact on growth compared to an allergy to nuts? Here are some possible theories.
That is usually children who are allergic to cow’s milk are also allergic to other foods, so they have to avoid some foods such as eggs to nuts and this causes significant nutritional deficiencies.
But parents don’t need to panic, they must be responsive when they find out that their child has an allergy to cow’s milk. Meet the protein needs of allergic children by meeting their nutritional needs as recommended by IDAI, parents can provide soy formula. But of course parents can consult a pediatrician first.
Milk with soy can also be found on the market, one of which is Morinaga Soya which comes with a new formula as a complete nutritional solution for children who are not compatible with cow’s milk.
Morinaga Soya is a high-quality soya (soybean) protein isolate and the first and only soy growth formula in Indonesia containing Triple Bifidus Probiotics and FOS Fiber which are clinically proven to reduce allergy symptoms in children who are not suitable for cow’s milk.
The Morinaga Soya formula has been refined, containing 50% higher DHA than other soya, free of lactose, and high in protein, which is supplemented with 9 AAEs to support optimal growth and development. The price has become more competitive.
This product has 2 variants, namely Morinaga Chil Kid Soya Moricare+ Triple Bifidus for children aged 1-3 years. Then there is also Morinaga Chil School Soya Moricare+ Triple Bifidus to support the growth of children aged 3-12 years.
(fhs/ega)
