Nutritionists Remind Breastfeeding Mothers To Be Alert To Consumption Of Artificial Malams

JAKARTA - Paying attention to food and beverage intake is important for breastfeeding mothers to maintain the quality of breast milk (ASI) and baby health.

Dr. dr. Luciana B. Sutanto, MS. SpGK (K), a nutritionist, emphasized the importance of prudence in choosing food and beverage products, especially those containing artificial sweeteners.

There are sweet drinks that use natural and artificial sweeteners. The consumption is safe as long as it has obtained permission from the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM)," Luciana explained as quoted by ANTARA.

He emphasized that artificial sweeteners circulating in the market must meet the food safety standards set by BPOM. However, not all products are allowed to be consumed by certain groups.

Based on BPOM Regulation Number 11 of 2019 concerning Food Additional Materials, artificial sweeteners are prohibited from being used in products intended for babies, children under three years old, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.

Breastfeeding mothers are advised to be careful in choosing sweet drink products. If you want to enjoy sweet tastes, you should choose a natural sweetener or artificial sweetener who has received BPOM approval. In addition, it is important to pay attention to the amount of daily sugar consumption so that it does not exceed the safe limit.

Balanced Nutrition Guidelines from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia recommend a maximum sugar consumption limit of four tablespoons per day. This restriction aims to maintain maternal health and ensure the quality of breast milk remains optimal for infants.

To support smooth breastfeeding production, breastfeeding mothers need higher calorie intake than when they are not breastfeeding. However, this increase in calories must come from a balanced and varied nutritious diet.

Luciana also reminded the importance of maintaining body hydration. Breastfeeding mothers are recommended to consume 11 to 12 glasses of liquid every day. This intake can come from water, milk, soup, or other soupy foods.

"A balanced diet and adequacy of fluids are the keys in maintaining smooth breast milk and ensuring that babies get optimal nutrition," said Luciana.

By taking into account the intake of food, drinks, and liquid needs, breastfeeding mothers can support the baby's optimal growth and development while maintaining their own health.