The Deficiency Of Micro Nutrition As A Result Of Indonesia's Alami Hidden Hunger

Professor of IPB University Prof. Drajat Martianto (photo: doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Professor of Nutrition at the Faculty of Human Ecology, IPB University Prof. Drajat Martianto said that currently there is a decline in food security so that there is hidden hunger, although in general the condition of Indonesia's resilience is still relatively good. "Indonesia's position at Global Food Index (GFSI) has decreased after the COVID-19 pandemic," said Prof. Drajat Martianto, who was confirmed as a permanent professor at IPB University, Saturday, through his statement quoted by Antara, Saturday, September 15. According to Prof. Martianto, Indonesia is currently facing a burden of malnutrition or three nutritional problems at once, namely malnutrition (stunting and wasteing), obesity, and malnutrition (KGM) or which is often referred to as hidden hunger. The largest challenge of the Indonesian nation today, he said, is no longer lack of energy and protein, but hidden hunger or hidden hunger is a deficiency of micro nutrients, especially iron deficiency, iodine, folic acid, zinc, vitamin A, and other micronutrients.Martianto explained that research shows that only one percent of Indonesians are unable to access macro foods that contain carbohydrates. However, he said, almost 50 percent of Indonesia's population lacks vegetables, fruits, foods, animal foods, and nuts. Our food consumption quality is not good. Research shows that 1 in 2 Indonesians are unable to buy animal food, fruit and vegetables containing micronutrients. They are experiencing hidden hunger because they are often not visible signs, but in fact the impact is very large. "The micronutrients have been proven as an important nutritional element to increase work productivity, intelligence, and immunity," he said.

Nationally, Indonesia suffered a loss of more than 50 trillion rupiah from low working productivity due to the Anemia Gizi Besi (AGB). This figure does not include health service costs due to severe nutritional deficiency and other nutritional problems. Food diversification, supplementation, and food fortification accompanied by hygiene and environmental sanitation is a solution to overcome the problem of lack of micronutrients. Fortification or addition of certain nutrients to food has been proven effective in reducing hidden hunger, as well as very cost-effective," he said. According to him, the cost of food fortification to cope with lack of iodium, vitamins A and iron in various countries is generally less than 0.5 percent of the product price, without additional costs for distribution to consumers. "Given its role in working productivity and income, food fortification programs are also seen as part of the poverty alleviation program," he said.*