Abstract:
Stunting, stemming from chronic malnutrition in young children, presents a significant public health challenge in Indonesia, impairing physical,
mental, cognitive, and intellectual growth. Protein deficiency notably contributes to this condition. Tilapia, a readily available and cost-effective
animal protein source, contains essential complete proteins. This study investigates how tilapia consumption impacts stunted toddlers' growth and
development. Employing systematic review methods following PRISMA guidelines, searches on Scopus and Google Scholar using specific
keywords yielded 17 relevant articles from the last decade. Findings suggest that supplementing food and fortifying diets positively affect stunted
toddlers' height and weight, while nutrition education enhances maternal knowledge and practices. Combined interventions are more effective than
singular ones. Tilapia's nutritional richness in protein, omega-3, vitamin B12, iron, phosphorus, and selenium supports stunted toddlers' growth
and development, potentially preventing stunting and improving their nutritional status. Regular tilapia consumption fosters bone, muscle, and
brain development, positively influencing weight, height, and overall health. Widening tilapia accessibility can aid in mitigating stunting and
enhancing toddler nutrition. Incorporating tilapia into diets alongside proper education and stimulation represents a promising strategy against
stunting in Indonesia. Strengthening promotion efforts and parental education regarding tilapia's benefits is crucial for combating stunting
effectively.
Description:
Stunting remains a significant public health problem in Indonesia. The Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) in
2018 indicated that the prevalence of stunting among children under five in Indonesia is still 30.8% (Ministry
of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, 2018). Stunting refers to the condition of failure to thrive in toddlers
due to chronic malnutrition that occurs during the First 1000 Days of Life (HPK). It involves impaired growth
and development attributed to factors such as malnutrition, recurrent infections, and inadequate psychosocial
stimulation (Kusumaningrum et al., 2020). This condition results from chronic malnutrition caused by
inadequate nutritional intake over a prolonged period, leading to growth failure and children being shorter than
their age (Simarmata & Suryanegara, 2021). Stunting not only disrupts physical growth but also renders children
vulnerable to disease, impacting brain development and intelligence (Hasan et al., 2023). It is characterized by
impaired growth and development in children due to chronic malnutrition and inadequate nutritional intake
over time (Damayanti et al., 2017). Stunted babies and toddlers typically have lower energy intake compared to
their non-stunted counterparts (Hautvast et al., 1999).
Several factors contribute to stunting, including inadequate nutritional intake, repeated infections, and
insufficient psychosocial stimulation (Hasnawati et al., 2022). This condition can lead to health problems,
susceptibility to disease, and reduced productivity levels in children (Erda, 2023). Furthermore, stunting not
only affects physical growth but also impacts mental, cognitive, and intellectual development. It is associated
with cognitive impairment and an increased risk of chronic disease later in life. Stunting causes delays in the
physical growth and brain development of toddlers, resulting in a lower quality of human resources in the
future. Various other factors contributing to stunting include low maternal body mass index, low socioeconomic status, child birth weight, gender, and age (Mtongwa et al., 2021)