Jurnal Gizi dan Kesehatan Keluarga

Exploring the Effectiveness and Implementation of Local Supplementary Feeding Programs for Undernourished Toddlers

2026-06-28T18:08:44+07:00

Background: Undernutrition among toddlers remains a critical public health challenge in Indonesia, significantly impacting cognitive and motor development during the first 1,000 days of life. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of a 56-day local food-based Supplementary Feeding (PMT) program at the Bara-Baraya Community Health Center in Makassar City. Methods: This research employed a mixed-methods approach with a sequential explanatory design, involving 16 undernourished toddlers. The intervention consisted of a 56-day local food-based PMT, such as moringa fish nuggets and meatball bites, utilizing a 7-day menu cycle. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test, while qualitative data were gathered through in-depth interviews with nutrition officers and cadres. Results: The study found a significant increase in anthropometric indicators, with average weight rising from 9.1 kg to 10.06 kg and average body length from 82.3 cm to 83.6 cm. Remarkably, 100% of the respondents (16 children) successfully transitioned from undernourished to good nutritional status (p=0.000). Qualitative findings indicated that the program's success was driven by systematic management, centralized food processing, and a rigorous monitoring strategy by cadres to ensure complete consumption. Conclusions: Local food-based PMT interventions utilizing nutrient-dense ingredients like Moringa and fish are highly effective in improving the nutritional status of toddlers during their critical growth period.

Acute Toxic Effects of Breadfunnel Leaf Extract (Artocarpus Altilis) on Wistar Rats as a Herbal Medicine for the Treatment of Dyslipidemia

2026-06-28T17:52:07+07:00

Background: The use of herbal medicine for managing dyslipidemia is increasing globally; however, comprehensive data regarding its acute safety profile remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the acute toxicity of the aqueous extract of breadfruit leaves (Artocarpus altilis) prepared via maceration to mirror traditional preparation in Wistar rats, and to determine its LD₅₀ value. Methods: Using a laboratory experimental design, 20 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: a control group (distilled water) and three treatment groups administered single doses of 3, 5, and 10 g/kg BW. Clinical symptoms, mortality, body weight, and histopathological changes in the liver and kidneys were evaluated over 14 days. Results: the results showed zero mortality across all groups, establishing an LD₅₀ > 10 g/kg BW. Transient clinical symptoms (lethargy, diarrhea, and tremors) appeared on Day 1 at high doses (5 and 10 g/kg BW) but completely resolved by Day 14. Significantly, body weight increased across all groups (highest gain of 17.7% at 10 g/kg BW, p < 0.001), suggesting that the extract did not interfere with appetite or nutrient absorption. Histopathological analysis revealed dose-dependent changes, including fatty degeneration and mild necrosis in the liver, as well as hydropic degeneration in the kidneys at ultra-high doses. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of Artocarpus altilis is practically non-toxic (LD₅₀ > 10 g/kg BW). While it holds strong potential as a safe therapeutic agent for dyslipidemia, extremely high doses impose a metabolic burden on excretory organs.

Viscosity and Flowability Attributes of Modified Milk-Based Enteral Formulas Fortified with Pumpkin and Egg White for Pediatric Severe Acute Malnutrition

2026-07-02T19:41:05+07:00

Background: The standard F-100 formula for severe acute malnutrition (SAM) rehabilitation is often constrained by high costs and limited accessibility. Objective: This study aimed to formulate and evaluate the rheological and physical properties (specifically viscosity and flowability) of a modified milk-based enteral formula fortified with pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) and egg white as a locally accessible alternative. Methods: A single-factor Completely Randomized Design was employed with three formula variations (B1, B2, and B3). Viscosity was measured using a digital rotational viscometer, and flowability was assessed via a gravity-driven simulation using an 8 French pediatric nasogastric tube (NGT). Results: viscosity ranged from 145 cP (Formula B1) to 700 cP (Formula B2). Flow durations ranged from 290 to 350 seconds, with flow rates of 0.06–0.07 mL/s. Formula B3 exhibited the highest flow efficiency (290 seconds). However, these numerical variations were not statistically significant for viscosity (p = 0.368) or flow rate (p = 0.368). Conclusion: This formulation demonstrates physical and mechanical feasibility for pediatric NGT administration, but further nutritional testing is required before considering it a clinical alternative to F-100

The Relationship Between Feeding Patterns and the Incidence of Stunting Among Children Aged 6–24 Months in the Working Area of Uptd Puskesmas Sikumana Kupang City

2026-07-26T15:49:26+07:00

Background: The alarmingly high stunting prevalence of 26.6% in the Sikumana Health Centre area, which significantly exceeds the Kupang City average, creates an urgent need to investigate suboptimal feeding practices encompassing early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF), exclusive breastfeeding, and complementary feeding (MP-ASI) as the primary suspected drivers of this local nutritional crisis. This study aims to determine the relationship between feeding patterns and the incidence of stunting among children aged 6–24 months in the working area of UPTD Puskesmas Sikumana, Kupang City. Methods: This was a quantitative observational analytic study with a cross-sectional design. A total of 88 children aged 6–24 months were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through structured interviews and anthropometric measurements, then analyzed using the chi-square test. Results: Of 88 children, 30 (34.1%) were stunted. No significant relationship was found between EIBF and stunting (p=0.71). Significant relationships were found between exclusive breastfeeding (p=0.01), complementary-feeding texture (p=0.03), frequency (p < 0.001), and amount (p=0.001) and stunting. Conclusion: Feeding patterns, particularly exclusive breastfeeding and the appropriateness of complementary-feeding texture, frequency, and amount, are significantly associated with the incidence of stunting among children in the Sikumana Health Centre working area. Nutrition education for mothers of young children regarding appropriate feeding practices should be strengthened as a stunting prevention effort.

The Relationship Between Energy Intake from the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Program and Energy Adequacy Levels Among Adolescents at MAN 2 Parepare City

2026-08-14T20:25:13+07:00

Background: The MBG is a school-based nutrition intervention designed to help meet students' energy requirements. This study aimed to analyze the contribution of energy intake from the MBG Program to the level of daily energy adequacy among students at MAN 2 Kota Parepare, while considering students' dietary habits. Methods: This study used an observational analytic design with a cross-sectional approach involving 122 eleventh-grade students at MAN 2 Kota Parepare, selected using the Slovin formula. Data were collected using questionnaires, two non-consecutive 24-hour food recalls to assess daily energy intake, a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) to describe dietary habits, and anthropometric measurements using BMI-for-age (BMI/A) to determine nutritional status. Data were analyzed using the Chi-Square test to examine associations between variables. Results: The univariate analysis showed that most students had energy intake from the MBG Program in the adequate category (67.2%), adequate daily energy intake (76.2%), normal nutritional status (67.2%, 82 students), and dietary habits in the adequate category (55.7%). The Chi-Square test showed a statistically significant association between the contribution of energy intake from the MBG Program and students' daily energy adequacy (p = 0.028). Specifically, 34.4% of students with a low MBG energy contribution (<25%) had inadequate daily energy intake, whereas 88.1% of students with a moderate MBG energy contribution (25–35%) achieved adequate daily energy intake. Conclusion: The MBG Program was shown to be an effective school-based nutrition intervention in supporting students' daily energy adequacy. However, maintaining optimal daily energy adequacy is also influenced by independent food consumption patterns and dietary habits outside school.

Nutritional Quality and Food Safety Evaluation of Dangke: The Role of Coagulants and Production Hygiene Practices

2026-08-12T22:04:10+07:00

Background: Traditional dangke production in Cendana District lacks optimal hygiene and sanitation practices, creating a potential risk for microbial contamination. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional content, microbiological safety, and hygiene and sanitation practices associated with dangke production in Cendana District. Method: The study analyzed a control dangke sample (produced by the researchers using lime juice as a coagulant) alongside a commercial dangke sample (produced by a local maker using papaya sap as a coagulant). This comparative experimental study, employing a descriptive approach, utilized a single sample for each type of coagulant. Result: Laboratory analysis revealed that the control dangke (lime-coagulated) possessed a denser nutritional profile, containing 14.07% protein, 13.32% fat, 4.70% carbohydrates, and 613 µg/100g of vitamin A. In contrast, the commercial dangke (papaya sap-coagulated) exhibited lower protein content (8.239%) and showed heavy contamination with Escherichia coli (>2400 MPN/g, failing to meet SNI 7388:2009 standards), although it tested negative for Salmonella. Sanitation observations indicated that the producer implemented only 32% (8 out of 25) of the standard hygiene and sanitation practices. Conclusion: While lime juice coagulation yielded optimal nutritional composition in the researchers' test samples, the commercial papaya sap-coagulated dangke from Cendana District posed a high risk regarding microbiological safety. These findings are specific to the samples tested in Cendana District and cannot be generalized to represent all dangke products in Enrekang Regency.

Nutritional Content and Organoleptic Acceptance of Dangke and Pumpkin-Based Chips as a Snack for School-Age Children

2026-08-14T20:23:23+07:00

Background: School-age children require balanced nutrition to support growth and development; however, the consumption of low-nutrient snacks remains a concern. This study aimed to analyse the nutritional content and acceptance levels of chips made from a combination of dangke and pumpkin as a healthy, local food-based snack alternative for school-age children. Method: The study employed a laboratory experiment with a quantitative approach. The study tested three formulations: F0 (0 g pumpkin), F1 (30 g pumpkin), and F2 (60 g pumpkin). Nutritional analysis covered protein, fat, carbohydrate, and vitamin A content, while organoleptic testing involved 30 untrained panellists using a 1–5 hedonic scale. Results: The results showed that F0 had the highest fat (32.16%) and carbohydrate (51.75%) content, F1 had the highest protein content (9.77%), and F2 had the highest vitamin A content (399.82 µg/100 g). In the organoleptic test, F0 received the highest scores for colour (4.33 ± 0.606) and taste (4.53 ± 0.681), while F1 received the highest scores for aroma (4.27 ± 0.785) and texture (4.47 ± 0.629). Statistical analysis indicated no significant differences (p>0.05) in colour, aroma, taste, or texture among formulations F0, F1, and F2. Thus, the three formulations did not differ significantly in terms of panellist acceptance, despite descriptive differences in mean values. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that chips combining dangke and pumpkin have the potential to be developed as a local food-based snack alternative with favourable nutritional content and acceptance levels. Future research is recommended to develop formulation variations and conduct testing on the product's physical characteristics and quality.

Association Between Parity, Maternal Age, and Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) Among Pregnant Women at Bontonompo II Community Health Center, Gowa Regency

2026-08-06T18:42:51+07:00

Background: Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) may adversely affect maternal health as well as fetal growth and development and is commonly identified using a Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) value of less than 23.5 cm. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the association between maternal parity and age with the incidence of Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) among pregnant women. Methods: A quantitative study with a cross-sectional design was conducted from October to November 2024. The study involved 50 pregnant women selected using a total sampling technique. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and MUAC measurements. Data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate analyses, with Fisher’s Exact Test used to assess the association between maternal age, parity, and CED. Results: Among the respondents, 84.0% were classified as having CED. Fisher’s Exact Test revealed a significant association between parity and CED incidence (p = 0.001). Odds ratio analysis showed that primiparous women had 4.70 times greater odds of experiencing CED than multiparous and grandemultiparous women (OR = 4.70; 95% CI: 1.06–22.99). In contrast, maternal age was not significantly associated with CED incidence (p = 0.718). Supplementary interview findings suggested that some primiparous women experienced challenges related to pregnancy symptoms and nutritional management; however, these observations were not included in the statistical analysis. Conclusions: Maternal parity was significantly associated with Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) among pregnant women, with primiparous women being more vulnerable to CED than women with previous childbirth experience. In contrast, maternal age was not significantly associated with CED incidence. The prevalence of CED among pregnant women in the study area was high (84.0%), indicating a substantial burden of maternal undernutrition.

Enhancement of Protein and Fiber Content in Wheat-Cassava Composite Noodles with Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus Ostreatus): Nutritional and Sensory Evaluation

2026-08-12T22:01:07+07:00

Background: Noodles are widely consumed in Indonesia but are commonly made from wheat flour, which is low in protein and fiber. Cassava flour, a local carbohydrate source, and oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus), a source of protein and fiber, have potential for developing nutritionally improved noodles. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the nutritional content and sensory acceptability of wheat-cassava composite noodles fortified with oyster mushroom as a local food alternative. Methods: A laboratory experimental design with a quantitative approach compared three noodle formulations (F0, F1, and F2) differing in the proportion of wheat flour, cassava flour, and oyster mushroom. Nutritional analysis covered energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, and fiber content, while sensory acceptability was evaluated by 30 untrained panelists using a five-point hedonic scale for color, aroma, taste, and texture. Results: F1 contained 277.74 kcal/100 g energy, 9.23% protein, 0.62% fat, 58.61% carbohydrate, and 0.20% fiber, exceeding the minimum protein requirement of 8% for dried noodles under SNI 8217:2015. F1 also achieved the highest acceptance for most sensory attributes, particularly color and taste. No significant differences were found among formulations for color, aroma, and taste (p > 0.05), whereas texture differed significantly (p < 0.05). The overall mean acceptance score of F1 was 3.97, categorized as like. Conclusion: F1 was the most acceptable formulation, with protein content above the SNI requirement, although the fiber increase remained relatively small. These findings support further development of wheat-cassava composite noodles with oyster mushroom as a local food product with improved nutritional and sensory quality.

Digital Food Delivery and Ultra-Processed Food Consumption: Assessing the Nutritional Profile of University Students in Parepare City

2026-08-23T19:12:44+07:00

Background: Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption among university students has risen alongside the widespread adoption of food delivery apps (FDA), yet its link to nutritional status remains inconsistent. Objective: This study aimed to assess the association between FDA usage intensity, UPF consumption, and nutritional status among university students in Parepare City. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 99 active students from four universities in Parepare City, selected through quota accidental sampling. FDA usage intensity and UPF consumption were assessed using a questionnaire and the FFQ-NOVA, nutritional status was determined from body mass index (BMI), and macronutrient adequacy was measured using a 2×24-hour food recall. Variables were analyzed using the Chi-Square/Fisher's Exact test. Results: Overweight and obesity together affected 26.3% of respondents, while underweight affected 20.2%; notably, all respondents (100%) had deficient energy and fiber intake. FDA usage intensity was significantly associated with UPF consumption (p=0.002), with 60.3% of FDA users falling into the frequent UPF consumption category. UPF consumption was not significantly associated with nutritional status (p=0.689), nor was FDA usage intensity associated with the adequacy of protein (p=0.639), fat (p=0.466), or carbohydrate (p=0.364) intake. Conclusion: FDA use is significantly associated with higher UPF exposure but is not significantly associated with nutritional status or macronutrient adequacy among students. The universal deficiency in energy and fiber intake highlights a critical nutritional concern independent of FDA use. Nutrition education, including guidance embedded within food delivery platforms, is recommended to encourage healthier food choices.