A troubling 21.2% of young children in Malaysia are stunted due to nutritional deficiencies, according to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) conducted in 2022.
The economic challenges and the rising living costs directly impact the ability of families to provide adequate nutrition to their children. Recognising this, Danone is offering affordable nutritional support tailored to the growing needs of children who are experiencing growth issues.
Angie Low, SEA Health Innovation Medical Affairs & Market Access Director at Danone said, “In Danone, our primary mission and business goal have always been to deliver healthy eating products to as many people as possible. Innovating to offer nutritional products without compromising nutritional quality is the essence of what we do. Our main priority is to ramp up research to build our nutritional knowledge and constantly improve our products while better understanding how nutrition impacts health.”
Empowering Families with the Right Nutrition
Addressing stunting and undernutrition through early intervention and sustained nutritional support is pivotal in improving the child’s health and enhancing educational achievement. The economic burden of stunting in Malaysia could be equivalent to losses of up to 10 per cent of GDP annually.
UM Specialist Centre (UMSC)
“Complete and balanced, high calorie and nutrient dense nutrition, encompassing essential nutrients like protein, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, vitamin D, and DHA are crucial for the optimal development of bones, muscles, and brain in children, and play an important role in addressing stunting and undernutrition among children,” explains Dr. Azriyanti, Consultant Paediatric Endocrinologist and Associate Professor at the Department of Paediatrics, UM Specialist Centre (UMSC). “On top of that, all children need adequate sleep time, playtime, good eating hygiene, and healthy food behaviour incorporated into their daily routine. Parental support and supervision is essential to ensure all requirements are met.’’
Danone sponsored a study highlighting the effectiveness of 1kcal/ml oral nutrition supplement like Dugro Sure PLUS in supporting 50% faster growth among children 2-5 years with feeding difficulties. Danone is also collaborating with Monthly Index Medical Specialities (MIMS) on the Danone Growth Intervention Project, which aims to explore how Catch-Up Growth Formulas, such as Dugro Sure PLUS, impact the height and weight of Malaysian children.
Critical Role of Complete and Balanced Nutrition in Child Development
Dr. Azriyanti further emphasises the critical role of complete and balanced nutrition. “The challenge of paediatric nutrition is not only about meeting immediate dietary needs but also about shaping long-term health outcomes. It is crucial for parents and caregivers to bring their children for a check on their children’s growth at least once or twice a year. Should there be any concerns, bring them to see healthcare experts early.”