CORRELATION BETWEEN PROTEIN INTAKE IN CHILDREN AGED 6-12 MONTHS AND PREVALENCE OF STUNTING: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Fatatul Anafah; Eko Winarti

doi:10.70574/vy49ge04

Authors

Fatatul Anafah Faculty of Public Health, University of Kadiri Author
Eko Winarti Faculty of Public Health, University of Kadiri Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70574/vy49ge04

Keywords:

protein intake, stunting, children 6–12 months, dietary diversity, essential amino acids

Abstract

Stunting is a significant public health issue characterized by chronic malnutrition, particularly during the first 1,000 days of life. This literature review investigates the correlation between protein intake in children aged 6–12 months and the prevalence of stunting. Utilizing a systematic review method following the PRISMA protocol, eight relevant articles published between 2020 and 2025 were analyzed. Findings consistently show that stunted children have lower overall protein and essential amino acid intake, particularly from animal sources, compared to their non-stunted peers. Inadequate dietary diversity, low family income, maternal education, and poor breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices emerged as key contributing factors to stunting. Despite abundant protein resources in some regions, cultural practices and limited nutritional knowledge often hinder adequate protein consumption. This review highlights the critical role of protein, especially animal-based protein, in preventing stunting and underscores the need for integrated strategies to improve dietary intake and socioeconomic conditions among vulnerable population.

References

Nurhayati A, Yustiani A, Patriasih R, Mahmudatusaadah A. Daily Protein Intake among Stunted Toddlers in Cimahi, Indonesia. J Gizi Pangan. 2023; 18:41–2.

Mulyaningsih T, Mohanty I, Widyaningsih V, Gebremedhin TA, Miranti R, Wiyono VH. Beyond personal factors: Multilevel determinants of childhood stunting in Indonesia. PLoS One. 2021 Nov 1;16(11 November).

Kepala Badan Kebijakan Pembangunan Kesehatan Asnawi Abdullah P, JAWAB Plt Kepala Pusat Kebijakan Upaya Kesehatan Dwi Puspasari P, dr Iwan Ariawan K, Razak Thaha dr A, Nur Indrawati Lipoeto dr, Witoelar F, et al. I TIM PENYUSUN SSGI 2024 DALAM ANGKA.

Trisasmita L, Erica Lande Randabunga A. Protein Intake, Dietary Diversity, and Length-for-Age Nutritional Status Among Children Aged 6-23 Months: A Comprehensive Overview Study. Journal of Global Nutrition (JGN). 2025;5(1):443–53.

Badan Kebijakan Pembangunan Kesehatan. Laporan Survei Kesehatan Indonesia (SKI) 2023 Dalam Angka. 2023.

Widayati K, Putra I kadek AD, Dewi NLMA. Determinant Factor for Stunting in Toddler. Jurnal Aisyah : Jurnal Ilmu Kesehatan. 2021 Mar 22;6(1):9–16.

Maulidiana AR, Sutjiati E. Low intake of essential amino acids and other risk factors of stunting among under-five children in Malang City, East Java, Indonesia [Internet]. Vol. 10, Journal of Public Health Research. 2021. Available from: www.who.int/childgrowth/software/en/

Limardi S, Hasanah DM, Utami NMD. Dietary intake and stunting in children aged 6-23 months in rural Sumba, Indonesia. Paediatrica Indonesiana(Paediatrica Indonesiana). 2022 Sep 1;62(5):341–56.

Dan H, Prihatini S, Gizi P, Makanan D, Litbangkes B, Ri K. GAMBARAN KERAGAMAN MAKANAN DAN SUMBANGANNYA TERHADAP KONSUMSI ENERGI PROTEIN PADA ANAK BALITA PENDEK (STUNTING) DI INDONESIA FOOD DIVERSITY AND CONTRIBUTION TO ENERGY AND PROTEIN CONSUMPTION OF CHILDREN UNDER FIVE STUNTED IN INDONESIA.

Safina Nasution L, Karim NA. Correlation Between Diet History and Nutritional Status of Children Aged 24-59 Months in Tarumajaya, Bekasi in 2019. J Gizi Pangan. 2024;19(2):298–303.

Rahayu A, Yulidasari F, Anggraini L, Rahman F, Laily N, Sari AR, et al. Energy and Protein Intake-Related Risks Affected the Occurrence of Stunting Among Young Children. 2020.

Habiburrahman M. EXPLORING THE ROLE OF COMPREHENSIVE NUTRIENT PROFILES OF ANIMAL PROTEINS IN CHILD GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT, WITH A FOCUS ON ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS.

Setiawan MI, Yulidasari F, Rahayu A, Ferdina AR. Nutritional Intake Differences of Children Aged 6-23 Months in Coastal and Non-Coastal Stunting Areas. Jurnal Berkala Kesehatan. 2023 May 31;9(1):72.