BRIN researcher reminds SPPG to meet micronutrients and prevent 'hidden hunger'

BRIN researcher Prof Fitrah Ernawati reminded all Satuan Pelayanan Pemenuhan Gizi (SPPG) in Indonesia to meet micronutrients to prevent hidden hunger. Hidden hunger, or malnutrition, is a condition where energy/calorie intake is adequate (the person looks full and healthy), but the body is deficient in essential micronutrients such as iron, zinc, iodine, and vitamin A. ‘A menu high in energy does not necessarily have high micronutrients. There are many calorie-dense foods, but low in iron, zinc, and vitamin A. Therefore, it is not enough to ensure calories alone to feel full; the micronutrient content must also be considered,’ she said during a discussion in Jakarta on Friday. In one portion of the meal, she explained, the animal source of iron is from meat, while the plant-based iron comes from tofu and broccoli, which also contain vitamin C as an enhancer to improve the absorption of plant-based iron. ‘What about zinc? We see that there is meat; in meat there are many sources of zinc, and absorption is good because it is from animal sources,’ she noted. According to Fitrah, such a menu should become the standard in MBG. Iron in this context plays a role in the formation of haemoglobin which transports oxygen to several organs, including the brain which is involved in children’s learning activities. ‘So at least within MBG, we must pay attention to sources of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12,’ she emphasised. Fitrah also stressed that the foods served in MBG should be able to meet the AKG for important micronutrients, because deficiencies in micronutrients can cause children to become sleepy, have poor concentration, feel tired, and fatigue quickly. She also urged the establishment of a uniform micronutrient standard across SPPG across Indonesia. ‘Is our MBG only to meet energy, just to satisfy energy? Is it enough that the box is full and the child is merely full? If that is the aim, then the risk of micronutrient deficiencies will arise. Then has it met the micronutrient nutrition standards? At least meeting the AKG (Angka Kecukupan Gizi) for the main micronutrients cited above – iron, zinc, vitamin A, as well as folate and B12,’ said Fitrah Ernawati.