Study Reveals 20% Of Malaysian Children Suffer From Stunted Growth. Here's What It Means

If your child appears smaller than most kids their age, there is a possibility they might be suffering from stunted growth. While many believe that genetics play a bigger part in determining a child's height, ¹research has shown that 80% of their growth is determined by their nutritional intake.

The consequences of stunted growth are far more than just a child's height. Children who suffer from this condition may experience low levels of cognitive function, educational performance, and economic productivity in the future. As if this isn't bad enough, there is also an increased risk of falling prey to degenerative diseases such as diabetes.

As much as we'd like to believe that child nutrition is not a problem in Malaysia, the facts say otherwise. In 2019, UNICEF Malaysia found that over 20% of children under the age of five are stunted.

This is actually an increase from previous years, as the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019 showed the number of stunted children under five years old have increased from 17.7% in 2015, to 21.8% in 2019. 

This is an underlying cause to stunted growth, as some families have limited access to healthcare, a sanitary environment, and food security due to poverty. Without the availability of high-quality food, this is capable of affecting families in terms of providing a healthy diet for their children.

It is important for children to receive proper sanitation, hygiene, and clean drinking water to prevent stunted growth from occurring. Overlooking this simple yet important factor can be detrimental to your child's health, as diseases such as diarrhea and infections like parasitic intestinal worms can hinder linear growth.

Stunted growth signifies that your child isn't getting the nutrition they need. Growing children require a nutrient-rich diet for better mental and physical development. It's all about giving them the right kind of food, which contain nutrients such as vitamins, protein, fats, carbs, iron, fibre, and calcium.

Good sanitation efforts need to be encouraged within the household, starting with you. Start teaching your child good hygiene habits. While this may take a while for them to understand, trust the process. Simple acts such as reminding them to wash their hands with soap and staying clear from contaminated areas can go a long way.

Increased intake of nutritional food will not only prevent stunted growth; it will prevent countless of other chronic conditions. Educate your child on the importance of maintaining a healthy, nutritious diet. Even when it comes to snacks, reduce intake of fast food and junk food, as it contains little to no nutritional value.  

Specially formulated for children between the ages of 1 to 9, DUTCH LADY MaxGro contains a myriad of high-in nutrients (contents high in Protein, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Vitamins A, D3, E, B1, B3, B6, B12, and C). Basically, it is developed to provide your kids with 80% of their daily recommended nutrient intake*!

*80% of daily nutrients: Meeting at least 80% of Malaysia's recommended daily nutrient intake (Malaysian RNI 2017) for selected nutrients such as Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Magnesium, Zinc, Vitamin A, D3, E, K1, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, and C. 

This nutritious and delicious milk-based formula dietary drink also contains 9 Essential Amino Acids (9EAA) and DHA, all of which are key nutrients for your child's optimal growth. 9EAA are the building blocks in protein for bone and tissue growth, while DHA helps support brain development.

Large families will also be pleased to know that they don't need to buy separate dietary formulas for their kids, as DUTCH LADY MaxGro is suitable for all children between the ages of 1 to 9. It's nutritious, delicious, AND convenient :D

Notes:
¹Jelenkovic, A. et al. Genetic and environmental influences on height from infancy to early adulthood: An individual-based pooled analysis of 45 twin cohorts. Sci. Rep. 6, 28496; doi: 10.1038/srep28496 (2016)