The Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture has highlighted the importance of consuming animal proteins to prevent childhood stunting.
In 2023, the ministry, together with other ministries and agencies, will strengthen education and dissemination of information on the importance of consuming animal proteins, deputy for the coordination of health quality improvement and population development Agus Suprapto said when contacted on Thursday.
“The Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture also wants to improve the community’s awareness and understanding that consuming animal proteins is crucial, especially for children, adolescents, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers,” he added.
Children, adolescents, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers can consume eggs, fish, meat, and milk to meet their daily needs of animal proteins, he noted.
“It should be noted that to prevent stunting, it is necessary to fulfill (the needs of) animal proteins, considering that fulfilling only vegetable proteins without animal proteins is still inadequate,” he said.
The amount of animal protein consumption can be adjusted based on the daily needs of each individual, Suprapto added.
“For example, pregnant women who are entering the first month of the second trimester need around 30–50 mg of calcium, and they can get it from an egg. The higher the gestational age, the higher the needs, so it should be adjusted according to needs,” he explained.
In 2023, the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture is encouraging all parties to implement measures to improve the nutrition of families, for example, improving people’s understanding and getting children used to having breakfast before going to school.
“In addition, what is also important is reminding parents to meet children’s needs of balanced and complete nutrition, starting from macronutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, as well as micronutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and water,” he said.
Improving families’ nutrition is necessary to support efforts for the development of excellent and quality human resources, he added.
Source: Antara News