Journal of Indonesian Specialized Nutrition

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH LOWER BIRTH WEIGHT AMONG INFANTS IN SOUTH KALIMANTAN PROVINCE, INDONESIA

Nibras Azeenshia Winarno — 2026-03-14

Background: According to the thrifty phenotype hypothesis, individuals who have a Birth Weight less than 3000 grams are at risk of suffering from metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus in adulthood. The prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus and metabolic syndrome in Indonesia and South Kalimantan is increasing. In 2023, the Indonesian Health Survey (Survey Kesehatan Indonesia /SKI) data showed that the percentage of Birth Weight less than 3000 grams in Indonesia reached 35.3% and in South Kalimantan 41.7%. This indicates an increase in the percentage of Birth Weight less than 3000 grams in South Kalimantan when compared to the 2018 Riskesdas data, the percentage of BW less than 3000 grams in South Kalimantan was 37.5%. This is a quantitative study using a cross-sectional research design and using secondary data from the SKI 2023. Data were analyzed univariately and bivariately with complex samples and chi square tests. The results of the study found a significant association between Birth Weight and Chronic Energy Deficiency (p-value = 0.001) where mothers with a history of Chronic Energy Deficiency had a 5 times higher risk. Conclusion: History of Chronic Energy Deficiency among mothers is an important determinant of infants’ Birth Weight in South Kalimantan. Further, these findings might contribute to the prevention strategy of Non-Communicable Diseases in South Kalimantan.

THE INCREASING PREVALENCE OF ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS AMONG INFANTS AND CHILDREN AND SUGGESTED NUTRITIONAL PREVENTION AND PRESCRIPTION: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Arya Ananda Indrajaya Lukmana — 2026-03-15

Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are a significant cause of illness and death in infants and children under five. Infants' nutritional status and feeding patterns are factors that affect their vulnerability to ARI. This literature review aimed to summarize the incidence of ARI, the risk factors, and the evaluation of nutritional strategies. Methods: The literature review was conducted using articles published between January 2020 and December 2025. A search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus using keywords related to ARI. Results: ARI is very common among children under 5 years old. Malnutrition and low birth weight correlate with heightened risk and severity of ARI. Insufficient exclusive breastfeeding practices are associated with an increased risk of ARI, while exclusive breastfeeding has a protective effect. Environmental factors affect the likelihood of ARI. Evidence on micronutrient supplementation is varied and not ideal. Conclusion: Interventions for ARI in children require an integrated strategy that focuses on exclusive breastfeeding, improved nutritional status, and a healthier household environment.

COEXISTENCE OF STUNTING AND ANEMIA AMONG CHILDREN UNDER FIVE: PREVALENCE AND SHARED RISK FACTORS

Dessy Pratiwi — 2026-03-15

Background: Stunting and anemia frequently co-occur in children under five, exacerbating undernutrition burdens in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This narrative review synthesizes evidence on the prevalence and shared risk factors of concurrent stunting and anemia in children under five. Methods: We searched three electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar and included studies published from January 2010 to December 2025. Search terms combined keywords related to “stunting”, “anemia”, “coexistence”, and “children under five”. Results: The coexistence of stunting and anemia affects approximately one in five children under five in LMICs with individual country estimates varied widely at 5.6–60.1%. Shared determinants included child age, small birth size, recurrent infections, inadequate dietary diversity and intake of animal‑source foods and legumes, maternal anemia, short stature, low maternal education, household poverty, open defecation, and limited access to quality health and water, sanitation and hygiene services. Conclusion: Evidence supports integrated, multi‑sectoral strategies that target maternal nutrition, infant and young child feeding, infection control, and environmental sanitation to reduce the coexistence of stunting and anemia in early childhood.

THE HIDDEN COGNITIVE BURDEN OF CHILDHOOD IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA: EVIDENCE FROM GLOBAL STUDIES

Endang Mariani — 2026-03-16

Introduction: Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) remains one of the most significant public health problems worldwide. Prior studies have shown associations between low iron status/iron deficiency anemia and poor child development outcomes. Studies suggested IDA among younger children may cause permanent cognitive and/or developmental disabilities. Methods:Literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for studies published between2006 and 2025. Search terms included “anemia,” “children,” “pediatric,” “iron deficiency,” “cognitive,” “child development,” and “child nutrition.”Inclusion criteria of this review: pediatric populations (0–18 years), anemia-supplementation interventions, and outcomes related to nutrition, biochemical markers, or nutritional status. Fifteen core studies (RCTs, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and narrative reviews) met all inclusion criteria. Results:The reviewed studies demonstrate that anemiain children, primarily due to iron deficiency, is associated with impaired cognitive and developmental outcomes. Iron deficiency affects brain development by disrupting oxygen delivery, myelination, and neurotransmitter function, particularly during early growthperiod in which it is critical. The biological effectis linked to deficits in attention, memory, learning performance, and school readiness. Based on the evidence,further suggests that these early impairments may persist into later educational and economic disadvantages, contributing to a profound long-term loss of human capital. Conclusion:Childhood anemia, especially IDA, is evidently associated with impaired cognitive and developmental outcomes. Early prevention, screening, and appropriate iron interventions are essential to protect neurodevelopment and support long-term human capital formation.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MATERNAL DIETARY DIVERSITY SCORE DURING PREGNANCY AND INFANT NUTRITIONAL OUTCOMES: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Izmi Arisa Putri Lubis — 2026-03-25

Background: Maternal nutrition during pregnancy is crucial for fetal development and long-term infant health. Dietary diversity is commonly used as an indicator of diet quality, reflecting the adequacy of macro-and micronutrient intake. This study aimed to examine the association between the Maternal Dietary Diversity Score (MDDS) during pregnancy and infant health outcomes.Methods:This study was a systematic literature review of 11articles. This article wassourced from scientific journal articles on Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and PubMed for original observational studies published between 2015 and 2025.Results:The majority of research was carried out utilizing cohort, cross-sectional, or case-control designs in developing nations in Asia and Africa. Research continuously shows that a more varied diet for mothers is linked to better birth outcomes, especially higher birth weight and a lower chance of low birth weight (LBW). Additionally, a number of studies found that babies born to mothers who varied their diets were less likely to have low birth weights. Conclusions:MDDS is crucial for preventing LBWand supporting the baby's long-term growth and immunity. The quality of food choices and focused nutrition education are equally as important as the quantity of food groups