Nutritional status and nutrient intake from complementary foods among breastfed children in Purworejo District, Central Java, Indonesia
ABSTRACT: The growth rate of
Indonesian infants beyond six months of age declines compared with that of the
international reference population. Objective This study aimed to describe the
pattern of nutritional status among breastfed children and their intake of
energy, protein, and zinc from complementary foods in Purworejo District, Central
Java, Indonesia.
Methods The study was a cross sectional survey drawing breastfed children
under 24 months old from a well-defined population. Children with a history of
prematurity or low birth weight were excluded. Anthropometrical measurements were
collected. Intake of complementary food was assessed using 24-hour recall.
Analysis of nutritional intake was only performed in 11-23 month-old children.
Results Of 577 children enrolled, the prevalence of underweight,
stunting, and wasting were 8.1%, 8.8%, and 4.6%, respectively. The prevalence
of undernutrition increased with age. There was no association between
frequency of breastfeeding during 24 hours in the second year of life and the
nutritional status. The average intake of energy, protein, and zinc from
complementary foods was very low i.e., 30%, 45%, and 5% of the Indonesian
recommended dietary allowance (RDA), respectively.
Conclusion The prevalence of undernutrition in breastfed children
increases with age. The breastfed children beyond 11 months of age in Purworejo
District need sufficient density of nutrients from complementary foods.
Author: Endang Dewi Lestari,
MD, MPH; T Ninuk S Hartini, MS, PhD; M Hakimi, MD, PhD
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg050058
