Iron Deficiency Remains a Challenge for Children, Nutrition Education Needs Strengthening
Adequate nutrition during growth is one of the important factors that parents need to pay attention to. One aspect that should not be overlooked is sufficient iron intake, given that this mineral plays a role in the formation of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body, including the brain. Iron deficiency can trigger iron deficiency anaemia, which has the potential to affect children’s activity, learning ability, and development. Paediatrician Dr Ria Yoanita, Sp.A, said that iron deficiency leading to iron deficiency anaemia remains a health challenge that parents need to be aware of. According to her, iron requirements need to be considered to support children’s growth and development according to their age stages.
“Iron plays an important role in the formation of haemoglobin to deliver oxygen throughout the body, including the brain. Adequate iron greatly influences children’s activity, learning ability, and development according to their age,” explained Dr Ria during a nutrition education activity held by Sarihusada and Raja Susu in Jakarta on Thursday (27/8).
To help meet these needs, parents are advised to pay attention to a balanced diet for their children by including sources of iron such as red meat, fish, eggs, and green vegetables. In addition to food, fortified milk with a combination of iron and vitamin C can also be an option to supplement intake. Parents also need to be more careful in reading nutrition labels on packaging to understand the nutritional content of the products they choose. Education is an important part of enabling parents to understand children’s nutritional needs and make appropriate decisions in daily life. Understanding the types of nutrients, food sources, and nutritional needs based on growth stages can help parents plan a more suitable diet for their children.
The importance of attention to children’s nutrition was also conveyed by public figure and SGM Bunda, Asmirandah. As a mother, she said that meeting children’s nutritional needs requires daily attention because children’s needs are not just about feeling full, but also about intake that supports growth and development.
“As a mother, I believe that children need more than just being full. They need complete nutrition to support growth and development, immunity, and learning ability. I always try to prepare a varied daily menu, but I also understand that meeting children’s nutritional needs every day is not always easy,” she said.
According to Asmirandah, this experience makes education and understanding about nutrition important for parents. She also said that she supplements her child’s daily intake with SGM Eksplor fortified milk and has given it to her daughter, Chloe, since she was over one year old until now.
Attention to nutrition education then became part of a series of activities held by PT Sarihusada Generasi Mahardhika (Sarihusada) together with Raja Susu. In commemoration of Sarihusada’s 72nd anniversary, both parties presented nutrition education activities and family activities at 17 locations in the Jabodetabek area, including the Raja Susu Flagship Store PIK on 27 August 2026.
The series of activities included nutrition education with health experts, educational games involving mothers and children, and a simultaneous milk-drinking session at 17 locations. This activity is part of efforts to expand information about nutrition while encouraging parental involvement in supporting children’s growth and development.
General Secretary Director of Danone Indonesia Agung Laksamana said that Sarihusada’s 72-year journey cannot be separated from the company’s efforts to keep pace with the evolving nutritional needs of the community. Since its establishment in 1954, Sarihusada has stated its focus on improving the nutritional quality of Indonesian children and has helped nourish more than 75 million children.
“Since its establishment in 1954, our goal has remained the same: to improve the nutritional quality of Indonesian children. For more than seven decades, we have helped nourish more than 75 million children. Being trusted as the No.1 Mother’s Choice motivates us to continue innovating,” said Agung.
According to Agung, the role of mothers is also an important part of building nutritional habits within the family. When parents have the knowledge and confidence to make nutritional choices, the decisions made at home can contribute to the foundation of children’s health.
“When mothers are more empowered and confident in making the best nutritional decisions at home, they are also helping to build the foundation of a nation ready to face the future,” he added.
Sarihusada said that nutritional development is carried out with the support of nutrition experts and various clinical studies. The company also presents a range of nutrition for various stages of child growth, from birth to school age. Through SGM Eksplor, Sarihusada also provides a special formula for children who are not suitable for cow’s milk.
In addition to product development, the company stated that efforts to support families are carried out through education and various initiatives aimed at expanding benefits for the community. Education is considered important because meeting nutritional needs is not only related to product availability, but also parents’ understanding of children’s needs.
“For 72 years, we have believed that supporting children’s growth and development is not enough through nutritional fulfilment alone. Therefore, Sarihusada also continues to present various educational programmes and social initiatives that support Indonesian families. We believe that the best investment for Indonesia’s future starts from the decisions made every day at home by parents for their children,” said Agung.
In terms of access, Sarihusada is also collaborating with Raja Susu to