The Effect of Supplementary Feeding on Stunting Toddlers

This literature review examines how supplementary feeding affects stunting—impaired growth in toddlers caused by chronic malnutrition—particularly in Indonesia and other developing countries. The authors searched research published between 2015 and 2024 across multiple databases to identify studies on the effects of nutritional interventions. They found that foods rich in protein, carbohydrates, and micronutrients, such as eggs, milk, legumes, and zinc, effectively improve linear growth and nutritional outcomes in stunted children. The review concludes that combining local foods with micronutrient supplementation offers a sustainable approach to reduce stunting in resource-limited settings.

Key points

• Stunting is caused by chronic malnutrition, poor nutrition, frequent infections, and inadequate healthcare
• Supplemental feeding with protein, carbohydrate, and micronutrient-rich foods effectively supports linear growth
• Specific foods identified as beneficial include eggs, milk, legumes, and zinc-rich foods
• A holistic approach integrating local foods and micronutrient supplementation is recommended for sustainability
• Nutritional interventions improve both linear growth and overall nutritional outcomes in stunted children

Limitations

This is a literature review that synthesizes existing studies rather than presenting new primary research. The review does not provide detailed information about the quality, sample sizes, or specific methodologies of the individual studies reviewed.