Amerta Nutrition

Back Matter, Volume 9 Issue 4, December 2025

2025-11-20T13:10:00+07:00

Understanding Nutrition Labelling and Consumer Behavior in India: A Scoping Review

2025-08-26T15:27:46+07:00

Background: Growing burden of non-communicable diseases is a major public health concern in India, with nearly one in five individuals aged 15-49 overweight or obese. In this context, front of pack food labelling is often proposed to guide consumers towards healthier food choices. Yet, there is limited research on how Indian consumers actually interpret and respond to such labels, leaving a gap in understanding its real-world influence on purchasing decisions.

Objectives: To examine nutrition label literacy and its influence on consumer behavior in India. The study aimed to assess label understanding, identify factors to effective use, and explore strategies to enhance label functionality.

Methods: Scoping review was conducted adopting the PRISMA-ScR method. Literature published from January 2004 to July 2024 was systematically searched on Scopus, PubMed, and ProQuest databases. Studies were included if they examined knowledge, awareness or implementation of nutrition labelling among Indian consumers.

Discussions: 12 of 1256 cited articles were included. Findings showed that barriers to effective label use included inadequate use of detailed information, inclination towards user-friendly format such as warning labels, and pervasive misinformation related to packaged foods. Educational interventions, especially among youth, had the potential to enhance label literacy. While FSSAI has made regulatory progress, the voluntary and inconsistent Front-of-Pack (FoP) labelling remains insufficient.

Conclusions: Nutrition labelling in India has not reached its full effect. Mandatory warning labelling, standardized packaging, school-based education, and active regulatory action are proposed. Stepwise, multi-sectoral action is the key to labelling of food products becoming a stronger public health intervention.

Body Mass Index (BMI) and Nutritional Knowledge as well as the Correlation of Job Performance on Elementary School Teachers

2024-11-06T14:40:22+07:00

Background: Nutritional knowledge and BMI have a significant impact on the health level of an individual. Elementary school teachers are part of the professional workforce with a relatively high administrative and academic workload. Teachers are expected to have good nutritional knowledge about eating habits and healthy lifestyle choices. Research conducted in Bogor found that 57.0% of teachers were indicated to have obesity. The better the level of knowledge, it is expected to have an impact on BMI, enabling teachers to be more productive and always in optimum health condition at work.

Objectives: This research aimed to analyze the Body Mass Index (BMI) and nutritional knowledge correlation with job performance

Methods: Approximately 40 teachers of private elementary schools were used with a cross-sectional method. All Participants were teachers of private elementary school. We interviewed and measured participants for age, and nutritional awareness. Individual Work Performance Questionnaire (IWPQ) adapted for Indonesians was used. Statistical analysis was carried out using statistics application with Rank-Spearman method. Meanwhile, BMI data were collected through the measurement of the height and weight of participants.

Results: This research showed the correlation between BMI and Job Performance. A correlation between nutritional knowledge and job performance was also reported. Good nutritional knowledge of school teachers should be delivered to students to change eating habits. This variable could also affect healthy life and achievement levels.

Conclusions: BMI and nutritional knowledge were correlated with job performance. Furthermore, teachers were expected to provide healthy lifestyle education subjects to the students.

Analysis of Sociodemographic Factors and Complementary Feeding Patterns on Nutritional Status of Children under Two Years in Coastal Areas of North Sumatra

2025-02-10T16:10:42+07:00

Background: Nutritional status is an indicator of growth, and the first two years of a child's life should be closely observed because it is a critical period for development. Failure to grow during this period will affect nutritional status. Many factors affect a child's nutritional status, including sociodemographic factors and patterns of complementary feeding of breast milk.

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the influence of sociodemographic factors and patterns of complementary feeding on the nutritional status of children under two years old in coastal areas of North Sumatra.

Methods: This study used a cross-sectional approach involving 212 mother-child pairs aged 6-23 months in Pantai Labu District. Data collection involved structured questionnaires and interviews covering family characteristics, initial food introduction, breastfeeding status, and child age. Nutritional status was assessed through child length and weight measurements. Multiple logistic regression tests were conducted for multivariate analysis, and bivariate tests using chi-square.

Results: The results showed that there was an influence of maternal knowledge (p-value=0.008; OR=2.678), maternal education (p-value=0.005; OR=2.807), and economic status (p-value=0.0001) on children's nutritional status. Most mothers (78.8%) provided timely complementary feeding and maintained hygienic practices (81.1%). Despite this, 15-20% of children exhibited poor nutritional status across weight-for-age, length-for-age, and weight-for-length indicators.

Conclusions: Children's nutritional status in coastal areas is significantly influenced by sociodemographic factors. Integrated interventions targeting maternal capabilities and family economic conditions are crucial for improving child nutrition.

An Evaluation of Sago-Rice Consumption on Nutritional and Biochemical Parameters in Overweight and Obese Participants

2025-02-25T10:36:29+07:00

Background: Overweight and obesity are conditions caused by overnutrition, where an individual has an excessive nutrient intake. These conditions can lead to blood glucose and lipid problems. Sago rice, rich in resistant starch and fiber, offers a potential solution to this issue.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact of eating sago rice over 4 weeks on the biochemical (glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride) and nutritional (body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), total fat, and visceral fat contents) parameters in overweight and obese participants.

Methods: Each participant consumed approximately 200 g of sago rice during lunch for 4 weeks. The researchers measured the participants’ body weight and height, which were then used to calculate their BMI before and after consuming the sago rice. They also performed Bioelectrical Impedance Analyses (BIA) to calculate the participants’ body and visceral fat percentages before and after consumption. The participant’s total cholesterol and triglycerides were also examined before and after the sago-rice consumption using the spectrophotometry method.

Results: After 4 weeks of sago-rice consumption, the results highlighted a significant decrease in body weight, BMI, and body fat percentage (p-value<0.05). This study demonstrated that consuming sago rice for 4 weeks could significantly decrease the participants’ total cholesterol levels by approximately 18 mg/dL, from 257.33 mg/dL to 239.48 mg/dL (p-value<0.05). Conversely, the participants’ triglyceride levels increased (p-value<0.05). However, blood glucose concentration was not significantly different (p-value>0.05).

Conclusions: Therefore, sago rice consumption can help reduce body weight, BMI, body fat percentage, and total cholesterol levels in overweight and obese individuals.

Differences in the Nutritional and Micronutrient Malnutrition Status Among Primary School Children Aged 8–13 Years in Bogor, Indonesia

2025-02-05T16:05:27+07:00

Background: Indonesia is experiencing a triple burden of malnutrition, defined as the coexistence of undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies. The majority of previous research has focused on the first 1000 days of life, while studies on school-age children remain limited, despite this developmental period being crucial for determining future health and well-being.

Objectives: The objective of this study is to analyze the prevalence of undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies among primary school children in Bogor, Indonesia.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 915 fourth- and fifth-grade students who were selected for inclusion. The collected data encompassed individual characteristics, family socioeconomic status, anthropometric measurements (actual body weight, height, and skinfold thickness), and blood biomarkers. Nutritional status was assessed using BMI-for-age (BMI/A), body fat percentage (Slaughter equation), hemoglobin levels (non-cyanide method), and serum concentrations of vitamin A and B12 (Liquid Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry, LCMS).

Results: The prevalence of chronic energy deficiency was 2.4%, overnutrition (overweight and obesity) was 12.4%, and high body fat was 12.8%. Micronutrient deficiencies were prevalent, with 40.1% of subjects experiencing anemia, 18.6% exhibiting vitamin A deficiency, and 52.2% demonstrating vitamin B12 deficiency. No statistically significant differences were found in nutritional status between boys and girls, as measured by BMI/A and blood biomarkers. However, girls had significantly higher body fat percentages (p-value<0.001).

Conclusions: The prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies was found to exceed that of both undernutrition and overnutrition. Further research is needed to explore the underlying factors contributing to these nutritional issues, considering various covariates. Targeted and specific interventions are critical in order to prevent and address the triple burden of malnutrition among primary school children in Bogor, Indonesia.

The Relationship Between Chrononutrition with Nutritional Status, Mid Upper Arm Circumference and Anemia in Adolescent Girl

2025-02-10T16:18:41+07:00

Background: The Adolescents are currently facing the triple burden, which includes undernutrition, overnutrition or obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies. The nutritional status of adolescents was influenced by chrononutrition. Chrononutrition has a significant relationship with nutritional status. However, there are no studies in Indonesia that specifically examine the relationship between chrononutrition and nutritional status, Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), and anemia in adolescent girls.

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between chrononutrition and nutritional status in adolescents.

Methods: This study was cross-sectional, that was conducted in Senior High School in Widodaren, Ngawi, in August until september 2024. The population in this study were teenager aged 14-19 years with a sampel size of 100 respondents calculated using the Lemeshow formula. The independent variable was chrononutrition namely breakfast skipping, evening eating and night eating. The chrononutrition was obtained using Chrononutrition Profile Questionnaire. Meanwhile the dependent variable was nutritional status using Body Mass Index/Age, anemia level using hemoglobin and chronic energy deficiency level which was obtained by mid upper arm circumference. The data was analyzed by chi square and fisher.

Results: There was a relationship between chrononutrition namely breakfast skip (p-value=0.046), night eating (p-value=0.016), and evening eating (p-value=0.01) with nutritional status. There was relationship between chrononutrition namely breakfast skipping (p-value=0.003), night eating (p-value=0.001) and evening eating (p-value=0.03) with Anemia in Adolescent Girl. There was no relationship between chrononutrition namely breakfast skipping, and evening eating with MUAC in Adolescent girl, but there was relationship between night eating with MUAC.

Conclusions: There was relationship between chrononutrition, namely breakfast skipping, night eating and evening eating with nutritional status and anemia. There was relationship between night eating with chronic energy deficiency. Meanwhile there was no relationship between chrononutrition, namely breakfast skipping and evening eating with chronic energy deficency.

Combination of Modified Dietetic Skimmed Milk and Coconut Oil (Modisco) and Appetite Massage in Optimizing the Nutritional Status of Stunting Toddlers

2025-02-06T10:43:28+07:00

Background: Improper feeding and appetite disorders are chronically the causes of stunting. Efforts to improve the nutrition of toddlers can be carried out through the provision of additional sources of nutrition. Modified Dietetic Skimmed Milk and Coconut Oil (Modisco) combined with appetite massage is one of the alternatives that need to be tested for effectiveness in optimizing the nutritional status of stunted toddlers.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the combination of modisco and appetite massage on the nutritional status of stunted toddlers.

Methods: The design was quasi-experimental with a pre-test and posttest control design approach. The large sample of 30 stunted children aged 1-5 years was divided into two groups using a simple random sampling technique. The intervention group was given modisco for 15 days and appetite massage 3x/week, and the control group was given only modisco for 15 days. Measurements of weight, height, and nutritional intake before and after the intervention. Data analysis used paired t-tests and independent t-tests.

Results: There was a difference in body weight between the intervention and control groups (p-value=0.02; 95%CI=0.28-0.40). There was a difference in nutritional intake in the intervention group and control groups, namely in carbohydrate nutrients (p-value = 0.02; 95%CI=5.67-81.62), Vitamin B1 (p-value≤0.001; 95%CI=-3.97 – (-2, 02)), Vitamin B6 (p-value=0.008; 95%CI=0.17-1.01), Vitamin C (p-value≤0.001; 95%CI=16.01-34.72). There was no significant difference in height/body length of the intervention and control groups (p-value=0.38; 95%CI=-0.03 – (-0.07).

Conclusions: The combination of Modisco and appetite massage was more effective in increasing weight and nutritional intake than Modisco alone. Midwives are expected to educate mothers of toddlers to provide Modisco and appetite massage.

Dietary Intakes and Physical Fitness in Relation to Anaemia among Female Students Studying Nutrition at Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Indonesia

2025-02-06T11:07:34+07:00

Background: Anaemia affects approximately 31.2% of Indonesian women of reproductive age and has been linked to inadequate dietary intake and lifestyle behaviours.

Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the proportion of anaemia among female undergraduates in the Nutrition programme and to investigate its associations with dietary intake, anthropometric measures and physical activity levels.

Methods: In this cross‐sectional study, 113 first- and second-year female Nutrition students completed three non-consecutive 24-hour food records to estimate daily intakes of energy, iron, folate, vitamin B₁₂ and vitamin C. Dietary diversity was quantified using the Dietary Diversity Score (DDS). Physical fitness was assessed via the Harvard Step Test, and anthropometric measurements body mass index, mid-upper arm circumference and body-fat percentage were recorded. Capillary haemoglobin concentrations determined anaemia status. Independent t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests compared anaemic and non-anaemic groups, and logistic regression models estimated odds ratios for associations with anaemia.

Results: 39% of participants were classified as anaemic. Fitness scores differed significantly between groups (anaemic: 43.7±2.1 vs non-anaemic: 51.4±2.5; p-value=0.03). In unadjusted analyses, higher folate intake corresponded to reduced odds of anaemia (p-value=0.02), but the association was no longer significant after adjustment for covariates.

Conclusions: A high proportion of female Nutrition undergraduates remain anaemic. Public health initiatives should promote diets rich in iron and folate, encourage greater dietary diversity, and support regular physical activity to mitigate anaemia risk. Further research should evaluate targeted nutritional interventions and fitness programmes for this demographic.

Dominant Factors Associated with Chronic Energy Deficiency in Pregnant Women in Tlogosari, Bondowoso

2025-02-11T11:50:36+07:00

Background: The high prevalence of Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) in Bondowoso Regency, affecting 16.4% of women of reproductive age and 17.67% of pregnant women in 2023, indicates the need for further analysis of its contributing factors. CED increases the risk of maternal and infant mortality, as well as adverse cases such as low birth weight and stunting.

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze suspected contributing factors and determine the most dominant factor associated with Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) among pregnant women in the working area of Tlogosari Health Center, Bondowoso Regency, East Java Province, Indonesia.

Methods: This study used a case-control design, involving 96 pregnant women (48 with CED and 48 without CED) in Tlogosari Subdistrict. The analyzed variables included age, education, history of infectious diseases, parity, pregnancy spacing, dietary patterns, nutritional knowledge, and socioeconomic status. Data were collected through questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, odds ratios, and logistic regression. The sample was selected using simple random sampling.

Results: The logistic regression test results indicated that nutritional knowledge (OR=7.509; 95%CI=1.948-28.954; p-value=0.003) and history of infectious diseases (OR=0.091; 95%CI=0.023-0.367; p-value=0.001) were significantly associated with Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) among pregnant women in the working area of Tlogosari Community Health Center.

Conclusions: Poor nutritional knowledge and a history of infectious diseases were significantly associated with CED, with nutritional knowledge emerging as the most dominant factor. Improving personal hygiene practices and enhancing nutritional education during pregnancy are essential to reduce the risk of CED.

Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices Based on Region of Residence in Bengkulu Province, Indonesia

2023-04-04T09:02:33+07:00

Background: Children under two years old go through a rapid physical growth period, requiring the highest nutritional intake compared to other age groups. However, infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices are often suboptimal, leading to nutritional and health problems.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the determinants of IYCF practices in Bengkulu Province.

Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design from the 2017 IDHS data. The sample was women of childbearing age 15-49 years who had children aged 6-24 months, as many as 73 children with a stratified two-stage sampling technique. Data analysis using proportion difference test with chi-square test and multivariate binary logistic regression.

Results: This study found that in 83.9% of urban areas and 91.5% of rural areas, the practice of IYCF is not by the recommendations. There is no difference in IYCF practice between urban and rural areas. Factors related to the practice of IYCF are pregnancy planning and antenatal care (ANC) quantity. Unplanned pregnancies had a risk of 4.8 times (p-value=0.04) the practice of IYCF was not as recommended compared to the intended pregnancies. The quantity of antenatal care that was not at risk was 4.8 times the practice of IYCF was not as recommended compared to the quantity of good ANC (p-value=0.05).

Conclusions: Pregnancy planning needs to be educational material for young women, and an increase in efforts to increase knowledge of pregnant women about IYCF during antenatal care through nutrition counseling programs or classes for pregnant women in health facilities.

The Relationship of Formula 100 Consumption Compliance Level to Weight Gain of Malnutrition Toddlers at the Rumah Gizi Semarang City

2024-10-02T12:07:53+07:00

Background: In 2023, 49 cases of toddler malnutrition were reported in Semarang City. Malnutrition management is an approach to enhance the nutritional status of infants and toddlers under five. The administration of Formula 100 is a strategy implemented by the Semarang City Health Office to promote weight gain among malnourished toddlers in order to catch up on their weight and achieve normal weight relative to their length or height.

Objectives: This study aims to determine the relationship between compliance with Formula 100 consumption and weight gain in malnourished toddlers at Rumah Gizi in Semarang City.

Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental method with a one-group pretest-posttest design. The subjects were 26 toddlers or the total population of malnourished toddlers at Rumah Gizi. Data were analyzed using Spearman’s rank correlation, Pearson’s product-moment correlation, and the chi-squared test.

Results: Univariate analysis demonstrated that 88.5% of toddlers consumed Formula 100 as prescribed for 35 days. Adequacy levels for energy (7.7%), protein (3.8%), fat (3.8%) and carbohydrate (26.9%) were categorized as good, and 57.7% of toddlers did not experience infectious diseases. No relationship was found between compliance with Formula 100 consumption (p-value=0.075) as well as adequacy levels for energy (p-value=0.869), protein (p-value=0.609), fat (p-value=0.691), and carbohydrate (p-value=0.787) and weight gain in malnourished toddlers at Rumah Gizi in Semarang City (p-value>0.05). However, a relationship was found between infectious diseases and weight gain (p-value=0.047).

Conclusions: Compliance with Formula 100 consumption was not associated with weight gain in malnourished toddlers at Rumah Gizi in Semarang City.

Influence of Sociodemographic, Dietary and Clinical Factors on The Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy among Type 2 Diabetic Patients

2025-03-19T14:19:22+07:00

Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most frequently occurring metabolic disorders, and is associated with Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), which damages the retina and can lead to vision loss.

Objectives: The study investigated the relationship between sociodemographic, dietary, and clinical factors on the risk of DR in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM).

Methods: The study was conducted from November 2023 to April 2024 in Coimbatore, South India. Anthropometric measurements, Demographic, clinical, and dietary details were gathered by interviewing patients. Descriptive and binomial logistic regression were used to find out the relationship between the predictors and DR.

Results: A total of 216 patients were diagnosed with T2DM for at least a year, including 41.66% of study participants with retinopathy and 58.33% without retinopathy; the majority (58%) were male, aged 40 to 59. Based on the Multivariable binomial logistic regression, indicated that Occupation (OR: 112.23, 95% CI=6.91,1820), Education (OR: 0.0753,95% CI=0.01,0.53), Monthly income (OR: 0.01,95% CI=0.01,8.27x10-04,0.25), Hypertension (OR: 1.15,95% CI=0.02,1.89), dry fruits consumption (OR: 11.41, 95% CI=1.009,128.98), sugar and jaggery (OR: 1.10, 95%CI = 0.020,1.521), the monounsaturated oils (Peanut oil, Mustard oil, Sesame oil) (OR: 0.028, 95% CI = 0.037,0.0.22) had significant associations with DR.

Conclusions: Sociodemographic, dietary, and clinical factors appear to have significant associations with the presence and severity of DR. It is important to monitor people with Type II diabetes on a healthy diet, as well as maintaining blood pressure and glycaemic status within the normal range is likely to delay the progression of the disease.

The Effect of Vitamin D3-Fortified Goat Milk Kefir on hs-CRP Levels of Type 2 Diabetic Rattus Norvegicus Rats: An Experimental Study

2024-10-17T15:17:50+07:00

Background: Insulin resistance and chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes are linked to the synthesis of the inflammatory biomarker hs-CRP. Goat milk kefir and vitamin D have anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Objectives: Aimed to evaluate the impact of goat milk kefir fortified with vitamin D₃ on hs-CRP levels of diabetic rats.

Methods: Twenty-one male Rattus norvegicus rats were randomly divided into four groups for a 35-day study: Control (C), Diabetes Mellitus (DM), unfortified goat milk kefir treatment (P1), and vitamin D3-enriched goat milk kefir treatment (P2). Diabetes was induced via intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at 65 mg/kg BW and nicotinamide (NA) at 230 mg/kg BW. Goat milk kefir was administered orally at 2 mL/200 g BW/day, with the fortified version containing 600 IU of vitamin D3 per 100 mL. Fasting blood glucose levels and serum hs-CRP were measured pre- and post-intervention using the GOD-PAP and ELISA methods, respectively. Data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate methods in GraphPad Prism 8.

Results: There was a statistically insignificant decrease in hs-CRP levels in the P2 group (p-value=0.21) and in the P1 group (p-value=0.63), suggesting limited impact on inflammation. However, there was a statistically significant drop in blood glucose levels in the P2 group (∆FBG -65.50±35.44 mg/dL, p-value=0.03) and in the P1 group (∆FBG -81.63±50.07 mg/dL, p-value=0.05).

Conclusions: The reduction in hs-CRP levels indicates that vitamin D3-fortified kefir may help modulate low-grade inflammation and shows promise in managing diabetes. Future research should examine dose, duration, and sample size for better efficacy assessment.

The Formulation of Red Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Instant Powder Drink using Foam Mat Drying Method

2025-01-03T11:19:57+07:00

Background: Red guava juice offers various benefit yet its shelf life is short. Processing red guava juice into powder extends the shelf life of the product. The foaming method or foam mat drying was employed in this research to produce red guava juice powder, using Maltodextrin as the filler, egg white as the foaming agent and sucrose to taste.

Objectives: This research examined the physical and chemical characteristics of the red guava instant powder drink to determine the best formulation.

Methods: The first step of research was the production guava juice powder with different maltodextrin concentrations (5%, 10%, 15%) and egg white concentrations (3%, 6%, 9%). The formulation of guava juice instant powder drink involved the addition of different sucrose concentrations (10%, 20%, 30%) and guava juice powder to water ratios (1:5, 1:10, 1:15). Physical characteristics were observed, including the bulk density, solubility, color (L, a, b), and viscosity. The chemical characteristics that included total carotene and vitamin C content were also examined. The most optimal treatment from the second step underwent the proximate analysis and sodium content test, which data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey/HSD test.

Results: The use of 15% maltodextrin and 3% egg white showed the most optimal result, and the use of 30% sucrose concentration and 1:5 guava juice powder to water ratio was determined as the best formulation.

Conclusions: Red guava instant powder drink is an instant powder drink product that uses natural ingredients. One packet of red guava instant powder drink contains a total of 76 kcal of energy.

Assessing the Predictive Accuracy of the Body Roundness Index for Prediabetes in Indonesian Adults

2023-10-20T13:35:08+07:00

Background: Anthropometric measurements for identifying body fat could be used to screen individuals with prediabetic risk.

Objectives: To evaluate and compare the diagnostic accuracy of body roundness index (BRI), conicity index (C-index), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) as predictors of prediabetes in the adult population of Indonesia.

Methods: This study employs a cross-sectional design and uses secondary data from the Baseline Health Research (Ind: Riskesdas) 2018. As many as 12.327 samples were subjected to descriptive analysis, and the area under the curve (AUC) was utilised to assess the diagnostic potential of anthropometric measures in predicting prediabetes.

Results: The five anthropometric parameters have a very weak ability as a prediabetic predictor. The WHtR and BRI (AUC_men=0.571; AUC_women=0.573) were significantly better than the other anthropometric parameters. In contrast, the C-index values for women (AUC_women=0.548) were considerably lower than other anthropometric parameters. However, there was no significant difference between the C-index for men (AUC_men=0.560) and the waist circumference (AUC=0.564) and BMI (AUC=0.559) values.

Conclusions: The body roundness index has the same ability to predict prediabetes with WHtR, while the C-index in women is weaker than waist circumference and BMI.

Development of Brownies Substituted with Modified Banana Flour towards Sensory Properties and Nutritional Content as Alternative Supplementary Food for Pregnant Women

2025-03-25T10:54:06+07:00

Background: Regardless of social background, brownies are popular snack among people of all ages, including adults and children. The goal of developing brownies with modified banana flour is to lessen reliance on wheat flour and provide a gluten-free, healthier substitute. More inventive product creation is required because of disparity in sensory qualities of brownie items that are currently on the market. Since starch makes up majority of banana flour, modifying the starch can help to improve the flour's quality. Physical modification is one technique that can be applied to enhance the quality and functionality of banana flour in brownie recipes.

Objectives: To determine the sensory properties and nutritional content of brownies with modified banana flour (Musa paradisiaca) substitution.

Methods: The research design used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 5 treatments (K=5), 1 experimental unit and 3 repetitions. The treatment carried out was by substituting modified banana flour for wheat flour in brownies products with various different formulations. The resulting brownies products were then analyzed for sensory tests and nutritional content including water content, protein content, fat content, fiber content, ash content, carbohydrates and energy.

Results: The results showed that the addition of 80% modified banana flour provided the most preferred sensory properties by respondents in terms of color, aroma, texture, and taste. The nutritional content of 80% modified banana flour substitute brownies including water content, protein content, fat content, fiber content, ash content and carbohydrates were respectively 11.77%; 5.69%; 20.31%; 2.25%; 1.08% and 58.90%.

Conclusions: Brownies substituted with modified banana flour have high nutritional content, making it a good choice to meet daily nutritional needs.

Anti-doping Knowledge and Information Sources Among Indonesian Athletes: Strengthening Clean Sport

2025-06-03T15:06:06+07:00

Background: Doping threatens sport and athlete health. Limited knowledge and insufficient access to anti-doping education increase the risk of intentional or unintentional violations. In Indonesia, very few studies have focused on athletes’ understanding of anti-doping regulations and their educational experiences.

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the level of anti-doping knowledge and the sources of information that athletes received as a basis for strengthening clean sport practices.

Methods: This cross-sectional quantitative study enrolled 149 Indonesian athletes who answered an online standardized questionnaire previously tested for validity and reliability. The instrument encompassed knowledge and educational experiences related to anti-doping. To examine differences in knowledge scores across demographic characteristics, data were analyzed descriptively and by bivariate comparisons.

Results: Participants were predominantly 12–17 years old (58.4%), male (65.1%), and represented 18 sports disciplines. Only 36.9% had ever received anti-doping education, and most information was received from coaches. The mean knowledge score was 68.5 (SD=19.9), with 38% classified as having a good knowledge level. Age was the only demographic factor significantly associated with knowledge scores (p-value=0.039).

Conclusions: Indonesian athletes generally have moderate anti-doping knowledge, with notable disparities between age groups and weaknesses in specific areas of understanding. Most athletes reported receiving anti-doping information from coaches and the Indonesia Anti-Doping Organization. These findings highlight the need to develop more targeted and experience-based education strategies that actively involve key stakeholders to ensure consistent and standardized delivery of information.

Front Matter, Volume 9 Issue 4, December 2025

2025-11-20T13:08:06+07:00

Breastfeeding as Protective Nutrition: The Immunological Foundation for Infants

2025-03-10T13:56:39+07:00

Background: Breastfeeding, a crucial foundation for infant health, provides essential protective nutrition and a complex array of immune-protective factors. Breastfeeding as a natural, protective, and ethical practice is very important to support the health of infants and, by extension, the health of future generations.

Objectives: The author emphasizes the biological components of breast milk as physiological protection for infant immunity and highlights the importance of breastfeeding promotion and protection within ideological and cultural contexts.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was performed using online database from Google Scholar to explore the immunological foundation of breastfeeding from original research articles published in recent 5 years.

Discussions: Maternal health and maternal immunity are transferred to the infant through breast milk, providing a temporary but significant shield against pathogens. Ethical and philosophical dimensions of breastfeeding as an intrinsic maternal practice that extends beyond nutrition to embody intergenerational health protection.

Conclusions: The role of breastfeeding as a natural, protective, and ethical practice is very important to support the health of infants and, by extension, the health of future generations. Philosophically and theoretically grounded strategies are effective in enhancing exclusive breastfeeding rates, particularly in treatments focused on breastfeeding education, empowerment, and counselling. Assistance in the initial days and weeks following delivery is crucial, as this timeframe is critical for the effective establishment of lactation.

Maternal Nutrition: The Foundation of Breastfeeding and Beyond

2025-02-04T15:41:24+07:00

Background: Breastmilk from a healthy and well-nourished mother serves as the optimal source of nutrition for infant growth and development. The composition of breastmilk is affected by maternal dietary patterns. Beyond its nutritional value, breastfeeding fosters emotional bonding between the mother and infant.

Objectives: This study aims to explore the role of maternal nutrition in breastfeeding success and infant’s well-being through scientific and philosophical lenses.

Methods: Literature search was conducted via PubMed (Medline Database), including systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and original research articles published within the last decade (2014-2024). The following keywords were utilised: ("maternal nutrition" OR "maternal health" OR "breastfeeding practice" OR "breastmilk") AND ("neurodevelopment" OR "intellectual development" OR "child development"). Inclusion criteria comprised open-access articles, while studies were available only in abstract form were excluded.

Discussions: Breastmilk production requires an adequate intake of macronutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, and fats; thus, maternal dietary intake significantly affects breastmilk composition. The nutritional and bioactive components in breastmilk support the infant’s immune function, neurodevelopment, and physical growth, while simultaneously providing necessary energy for the lactating mother. Breastfeeding should be understood as a holistic practice that extends beyond nutrient transfer, necessitating multisectoral collaboration involving government, non-governmental organizations, healthcare providers, and the population at large.

Conclusions: Maternal well-being is intrinsically linked to child health, as well-nourished mothers provide a vital foundation for optimal infant development. A compassionate, community-based approach to maternal nutrition is an essential view that respects individual choices while emphasizing the importance of collective support to enhance the health and well-being of both mother and child.

Crafting Paediatric Immunity: The Science of Prebiotic, Probiotic, and Synbiotic Roles in Child Health

2025-05-22T14:27:58+07:00

Background: The gut microbiota affects Children's immune system, which interacts with the immune system to support a healthy body. Prebiotics and probiotics, alongside their combination in the form of synbiotics, have demonstrated significant potential for enhancing immune health in children.

Objectives: This article aims to review the role of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics in supporting pediatric immune health by discusses their mechanisms of action, clinical evidence of benefits, and their impact on infection risk reduction, gut health enhancement, and improved vaccine effectiveness.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted by utilizing recent studies and clinical trials on the effects of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics on paediatric immune health.

Discussions: Prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics play a crucial role in supporting paediatric immune health by optimizing gut microbiota balance and facilitating the production of beneficial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which subsequently strengthen gut barrier function and modulate immune responses.

Prebiotics provide essential nutrients for beneficial bacteria, probiotics directly interact with immune cells, and synbiotics synergistically combine these benefits, demonstrating effectiveness in reducing infections, enhancing vaccine responses, and preventing allergies. Clinical studies highlight their potential to improve gastrointestinal health, reduce inflammation, and strengthen immunity, emphasizing their importance as safe and effective interventions for children's health.

Conclusions: Prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics demonstrate significant potential in supporting children's immune health through mechanisms that improve gut microbiota balance and enhance immune function. Despite encouraging findings, additional research is essential to determine optimal dosages, long-term safety, and individualized strategies for their clinical application.