"Nutritional intake is an essential basic requirement, but many people often ignore it. People really need to know about several aspects regarding nutritional intake to keep the body healthy and avoid disease," Head of the Nutrition Room at the Semen Padang Hospital Yusminatati stated here on Wednesday.
"Hence, people should pay attention to nutritional requirements, especially during a pandemic, as the body will be susceptible to virus attacks when it is not in a good condition," she cautioned.
Yusminatati expounded that nutritional requirements must be met since the first one thousand days of life, right from conception until the child is two years of age.
The first thousand days are the initial period for building the foundation for optimal neurological health, growth, and development for future growth. If those nutritional requirements are not met, the child will be at risk of experiencing stunting at birth.
The nutritionist remarked that stunting is a chronic nutritional problem due to inadequate nutrient intake over prolonged periods of time that hinders the growth of children.
Malnutrition in pregnant women and infants is the main factor that causes stunting among children under five.
Hence, mothers should be aware of adequate nutritional intake, so that it does not affect the health and development of the next generation.
Yusminatati pointed out that other characteristics of poor nutritional intake were a lack of appetite for two consecutive weeks, fatigue, anxiety, lack of enthusiasm in conducting activities, and significant weight loss that is not in accordance with the reference for optimal body weight and height.
The nutritionist stated that a lack of knowledge as well as the economic, social, and cultural levels of the community were factors contributing to cases of malnutrition.
Yusminatati believes that well-informed parents indirectly imparted a sound understanding to their children.
"The family’s economic status also affects the fulfillment of nutritional intake. When financial conditions are good, parents can meet the nutritional requirements of their children during their growth and development," she remarked.
Meanwhile, Yusminatati also accentuated the significance of balanced nutrition in daily food consumption. Nutritionally balanced food should contain nutrients in the types and quantities that meet the body's requirements. Moreover, physical activity, clean and healthy living habits, and regular weight checkups are necessary to maintain a healthy body. Related news: President calls for serious attention to nutrition of Asmat children
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Translator: Katriana
Editor: Suharto
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