Family Nutrition Education Deemed Crucial for Supporting Early Childhood Development
JAKARTA — Family nutrition literacy remains an ongoing challenge in supporting early childhood development, experts have warned. At a recent discussion forum, specialists stressed the importance of meeting complete and balanced nutritional needs for children aged one to five, coinciding with the momentum of National Nutrition Day 2026.
Clinical nutrition specialist Dr Juwalita Surapsari emphasised that fulfilling children’s nutritional requirements is not merely about ensuring satiety. The balance between macronutrients such as carbohydrates and protein, as well as micronutrients including vitamins and minerals, should be a primary concern for parents.
“Parents play a central role in determining the type of food, when to feed, and how to feed the child. However, the feeding process must remain responsive to the child’s needs,” Dr Juwalita said.
Survey data presented at the forum revealed a significant gap between parents’ expectations and their actual daily nutrition practices at home. Approximately 60 per cent of parents identified height and cognitive ability as the main indicators of child development.
However, 69.76 per cent of respondents admitted they did not understand the difference between macronutrients and micronutrients, whilst 62.87 per cent stated that micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals were the most difficult components to fulfil on a daily basis.
During the golden period of ages one to five years, when nutritional needs increase rapidly, important micronutrients that must be fulfilled include iron, vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc, and DHA, which play a role in brain development.
Dr Ray Wagiu Basrowi, Director of Medical and Scientific Affairs at Danone Indonesia, noted that challenges in meeting children’s nutritional needs involve not just quantity but also quality and completeness of intake.
“Fortified milk can be an option to help complete the needs for iron, zinc, vitamins, and essential fatty acids as part of a diverse and balanced eating pattern,” Dr Wagiu said.
Public figure and mother Dhea Ananda, who participated in the discussion, acknowledged the challenge of understanding children’s nutritional needs comprehensively.
Clear and accessible education was deemed essential so that parents can make appropriate decisions about their children’s nutrition. The forum emphasised that optimal child growth involves both proper nutrition and stimulation through activities such as talking, reading, and playing with children.
The education forum aimed to raise awareness amongst Indonesian families that optimal growth is measured not only by height and weight but also by the quality of nutrition and stimulation provided from an early age.