On the day Saturday, May 15, 2010 Yesterday, the Center for Science and Technology of Food and Farming South East Asia or Southeast Asian Food and Agricultural Science and Technology (SEAFAST) Center held a scientific discussion on the theme "The Role of Milk In Improving Nutritional Status of Children: Policies, Benefits and Best Practices ".
Present as a speaker at the event were Director Dr. SEAFAST Center. Purwiyatno Hariyadi and senior researchers from the institute Prof. Dr. Safe and Prof. Wirakartakusumah. Dr. Dedi Fardiaz. Hopefully, through discussion, which was attended by academics, government agencies, the dairy industry, consumer organizations, and professional associations related to this achieved a better understanding of the importance of milk in the diets of children to improve nutrition.
Indonesia is still facing a national nutritional problems indicated by the results of the average prevalence of malnutrition rates & toddler malnutrition of 5.4% for malnutrition and 13% for malnutrition (National Survey 2007). Where for 19 other provinces, the numbers are even greater. If it was currently there are approximately 20 million children under five, then the figure would be: a toddler who suffered malnutrition 2.5 million & with poor nutrition 1 million, an amount large enough. In addition to macro nutrition problems are also encountered micronutrient deficiencies, such as the most common are iron anemia.
In addition to these, which is still a concern is the low intake of animal protein in Indonesia. Where according to 2005 data, the consumption of animal protein in Indonesia is 5.4 g / org / day, a figure that is still very low compared to consumption of animal protein in the world, ie 23.9 g / org / day. Whereas intake of animal protein plays an important role in the fulfillment of children's nutrition, because infants and young children can grow and develop properly, the nutrients required in accordance with their needs. On the other hand, the prevalence of over nutrition trend also occurs in both the toddler and school age children.
Nutritional status will not affect the human development index, in which Indonesia is currently ranked 111th of 182 countries. In infants and toddlers age period, sufficient nutrients are necessary for physical growth such as height and brain development. These nutrients can be obtained from food is quite good in quantity and quality. Milk is one food that potential, because it has advantages including the content of essential amino acids, and minerals (Ca, P, Mg, K). In addition, milk proteins have a good quality demonstrated by the digestibility, amino acid score, and protein-efficiency ratio (PER). Nevertheless breast milk is best food for babies. Meeting the energy and nutrition for infants aged 0-6 months should be satisfied from breast milk alone. But after the baby is 6 months old, energy and nutrient needs can not be fully satisfied from the ASI. Therefore, after the age of 6 months starting complementary feeding and introduced the concept of diversity of food.
To the people of Indonesia, the national milk consumption is still very low, about 7.7 l / cap / yr (equivalent to 19 g per day) or about 1 / 10 the consumption of milk in the world. Many factors affect, among which are the low national milk production, low purchasing power and the culture of drinking milk in the community. Communities are often exaggerated in interpreting the benefits of dairy products as a result of Deceptive advertising, it is necessary for proper education of all parties. During this time, consumers are choosing milk products based on considerations such as age-appropriate product designation, the suggestion of a pediatrician, pricing, advertising influences, taste, and promotional gifts. Therefore, nutrition improvement program would be more effective and sustainable if accompanied by nutrition education program and healthy eating to the public.
With the support of technology, the development of mature dairy products is fairly rapid, including products that are specifically formulated for the development of the child (aged above one year). In industry terminology, is called a dairy product growth or internationally known as growing up milk (GUM). In Indonesia, growth Growth Dairy products are generally available in powder form quite rapidly. A variety of milk products on the market growth in Indonesia is generally enriched with functional ingredients such as certain fatty acids, probiotics, prebiotics (FOS / GOS), as well as vitamins and minerals ingredientlain. However, the legal definition of Milk Growth does not exist.
Prior to the consensus on the categorization of Milk Growth, recommended food products are still included in category 01.0 (milk and other dairy products). However, if the available scientific evidence about the benefits of a particular functional food components can be grouped as a functional food in accordance with applicable regulations. There are differences in age groupings based on the reference label nutrition, nutritional adequacy rate, codex and SNI. Thus, harmonization is needed to reach a consensus on the definition of "Milk Growth". Consensus on the definition and categorization of Milk Growth is important, both for the government (supervisors and supervisors), industry (actors) and consumers (users). Consensus will further ensure consumers and the wider community to get the correct information so as to make better choices.
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