Indonesian Danone's Commitment Through SGM Explores, Together Prevents Anemia And Optimizes Advanced Generation Cognitives

Photo: Doc. SGM

JAKARTA - Indonesia is still among the 5 countries with the highest prevalence of anemia in Southeast Asia. The high number of cases of anemia is caused because often anemia occurs without symptoms and parents do not understand the importance of screening anemia through blood Hemoglobin (Hb) levels, so parents sometimes ignore the risk of a small person suffering from anemia.

In fact, along with non-optimal nutritional intake, anemia is one of the risk factors that can hinder the development of the child's brain. Therefore, this condition will be worrying if it is not treated immediately because it can hinder children's growth and development to become an advanced generation.

Most of the cases of anemia are caused by iron deficiency which is one of the important nutrients in the daily intake of children's food. This condition is also further exacerbated by the lack of animal protein consumption in Indonesian society which only reaches 43 percent compared to plant protein consumption (57 percent). In fact, the iron content in animal proteins is higher than in vegetable proteins, so it is important for animal protein consumption to prevent anemia.

Dr. dr. Luciana B. Sutanto, MS, SpGK (K), President of the Indonesian Nutrition Association said, 1 in 3 Indonesian children is susceptible to anemia. Anemia can be caused by a lack of daily iron intake of the Little one. When the intake of iron is not sufficient in the small's daily diet, there can be cognitive or brain development disorders, and child growth, such as decreased intelligence, brain function, and children's motor function such as fatigue easily.

"Of course, this cannot be taken lightly by parents, especially in times until the age of 5 years, where the development of the child's brain is still growing rapidly," said Luciana, in his statement, Saturday, September 2. Furthermore, in children under five years old, anemia prevention can be done by providing a balanced nutritional intake, especially from animal protein sources rich in iron. But unfortunately, iron deficiency can also occur because most of the iron is not absorbed optimally in the child's body.

Therefore, a combination of Iron and Vitamin C which is able to maximize the absorption of Iron in the body, for the prevention of anemia. For this reason, in meeting the daily nutritional needs of the Little one, it can also be considered to provide a fortified source of nutrients, such as milk that is strengthened with Iron and Vitamin C so that the Little one can grow optimally, "he added. Anna Surti Ariani, S.Psi., M.Si., Psi., Clinical Psychologist Children and Families say, parents need to understand that anemia has not only had a negative impact on the physical, but also on the psychological condition of children. In the short term, cognitively children tend to lack concentration, not easily capture and remember, as well as their emotions tend to be more negative, more easily sad/mad and susceptible to stress.

If the condition of anemia in children is not treated immediately, in the long term its growth and development can be hampered, its achievements tend to be low and not optimal due to difficulties in learning. This is due to the disorder of the dopaminergetic function in the brain so that children are easily stressed, which can cause changes in behavior and cause learning process disorders. Therefore, it is important for parents to ensure the nutritional intake of good children and also always carry out the stimulation needed by children, as well as maintain warm relationships with children," explained Anna.

Dr. dr. Ray Wagiu Basrowi, MKK., Medical & Scientific Affairs Director Danone Specialized Nutrition Indonesia mengatakan, Danone Indonesia berkomitmen untuk ikut serta dalam meningkatkan kualitas kesehatan anak Indonesia dan mendukung upaya pemerintah untuk mewujudkan generasi emas Indonesia. Danone Indonesia melihat bahwa saat ini anak-anak Indonesia masih menghadapi tantangan kesehatan utama di Indonesia seperti stunting dan anemia, di mana keduanya berpotensi mengganggu kesehatan dan aspek kognitif anak hingga dewasa.

"With the commitment to bring health through the innovation of nutritional products to as many Indonesians as possible, Danone Indonesia continues to carry out various innovations of exact nutritious products that are tailored to the needs of the Indonesian people, initiatives and education to support the nutritional needs of Indonesian children as a form of anemia prevention efforts, especially in children," said dr. Ray.

This year, Danone Indonesia through the SGM Explor will carry out the initiative of the new program To Prevent Anemia, Optimize the Advanced Generation' Cognitive which aims to raise the awareness of Mothers in Indonesia about the risk of anemia in children under the age of 5, as well as the importance of consuming high iron and Vitamin C foods derived from animal protein.

"Danone Indonesia also hopes that in the future there will be more parties from various institutions, including the Government, health workers, the private sector, the community, and from the smallest environment, namely families who can pay more attention to anemia, especially children under the age of 5, to support the progress of Indonesian children in the future," added dr. Ray.