Extended Essay
Affordable Foods to prevent a child from
stunting
Written By:
Ravandra Anandito Triyanto
ID No. 0005
Supervised By:
Ms. Nurul Ana Siti Rahmah
ID No. 00.17.0263
HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
INDONESIAN CREATIVE SCHOOL
PEKANBARU
A.Y. 2024/2025
Table of Contents
Cover of the research report…………...…………………………………………………………...i
Table of Contents……………………………………………………………………………….….ii
Chapter I Introduction of Stunting………...………………………...……………………………..3
1.1 Stunting………………………………………………………………………………...3
1.2 Cause and effect of Stunting……………...………………………………………..…...3
1.3 Objective and Significance of the Research……………………………………………3
Chapter II: Literature Review….….………..…………………..….…..…………………………...4
2.1 Nutrients needed to counter stunting…...………………………..……………………..4
2.2 Hypothesis…………..………………………………………………………………….7
2.3 Attempts done by the Government to decrease stunting……………………………......8
Chapter III: Research Methodology………..………………………………………………………9
3.1 Research Methodology…………………………………………………………………9
3.2 Reseach Subjects…………………………………………………………………….....9
Chapter IV: Data Findings and Discussion......................................................................................10
4.1 Data Discussion……………………………………………………………………….10
Chapter V: Conclusion....................................................................................................................13
References:……………………………………………………………………………………….14
Chapter I
Introduction of Stunting
1.1 Stunting
Stunting is a disruption in the growth and development of children due to long term
malnutrition and recurrent infections. It can be seen by their length and height below WHO
standards.
1.2 Causes and effects of Stunting
Stunting is caused by long-term malnutrition. Usually happens to people struggling with
their financial needs, lack of knowledge regarding nutrition, infection and malnutrition to
pregnant mothers. People who suffered from stunting lacked energy and basic macronutrients
like protein, fat and carbohydrates. Stunting can disrupt growth and development to people who
suffer from it. People who suffered from stunting have weak immune system, making them
more vulnerable to sickness and diseases. Stunting negatively impacts a child cognitive
development, which can disrupts a persons ability to think and reason. It also caused problems
with metabolism, like diabetes, obesity, stroke, and heart attack.
1.3 Objective and Significance of the Research
The objective of the research is to determine affordable and nutritious foods to counter
stunting, determine nutrients we lack on our day-to-day foods as well as to raise awareness
regarding the hazard of stunting.
Given Indonesia aims to be a sovereign, advanced, fair and prosperous nation by 2045, it is
apparent for Indonesia to require a lot of skilled man powers, which is possible by proper
feedings of our children. Proper feedings can help a child develop better cognitive functions,
therefore helping them to be a competent manpower in the future. Though this can be hard to
achieve. With prices of basic needs increases unparallel to the minimum wages, it can be hard
for families to properly fed their family, increasing the need for an affordable nutritious food.
Chapter II
Literature Review
2.1 Nutrients needed to counter stunting and amount needed
Protein: Protein is a nutrient as it provides essential amino acids that are vital for a child’s
growth and development. Its amino acids helps with growth, repair and maintenance of our tissues
and organs. Lack of protein consumption will lead to slowed growth rate as well as weakened
immune system, which results to a permanent height reduction. The amount of protein children
needs varied among ages. For toddlers age of 1-3 years old, it is estimated that a toddler needs
0.87-1.05g of protein/kg of bodyweight. While a 4-8 years old children is estimated to need 0.760.95g of protein/kg of bodyweight. A 9-13 years old children is estimated to need 0.76-0.95g of
protein/kg of bodyweight.
Age Group
RDA (Protein), g·kg−1·day−1
7–12 months
1.2
1–3 years
1.05
4–8 years
0.95
9–13 years
0.95
RDA recommended dietary allowance
Zinc: Zinc is a mineral needed for the body’s immune function, growth, vision, blood
clotting, proper insulin and thyroid function. Without proper consumption of zinc, the body will
lost its appetite causing the body to lost weight, and the immune system weakened. Making the
body more vulnerable to sickness and disease, slowing down growth which contributes to stunting.
The amount of zinc for a child is quite little. An Infant of 0-12 months is recommended to eat
around 2-3mg of Zinc. A child of 1-3 years is recommended to consume 3 mg of zinc. A child of
4-8 years is recommended to consume 5 mg of zinc. A child of 9-13 years is recommended to
consume 8 mg of zinc.
Age Group
RDA (Zinc)
0–6 months
2 mg
7 months to 1 year
3 mg
1–3 years
3mg
4–8 years
5 mg
9–13 years
8 mg
Calciums: Calcium is a mineral used on our body’s to strengthen and maintain the bones
and teeth. Without proper consumption of the calcium, the bones will be weak and brittle, which
can lead to fractures and stunted growth, which in turn contributes to stunting due to inadequate
bones. An infant of 0–6 months is recommended to consume around 200 mg of calcium. An infant
of 7–12 months is recommended to consume 260 mg of calcium. A child of 1–3 years is
recommended to consume 700 mg of calcium. A child of 4–8 years is recommended to consume
1,000 mg of calcium. A child of 9–13 years is recommended to consume 1,300 mg of calcium.
Age
RDA (Calcium)
0–6 months
200 mg
7–12 months
260 mg
1–3 years
700 mg
4–8 years
1,000 mg
9–13 years
1,300 mg
Iron: Iron is a mineral that our bodies need for growth and development. Iron is needed to
make hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to all parts of the body, which translates to better physical
activities. Without proper consumption of iron, the body might suffer from Anemia which caused
your body to get easily fatigued, trouble breathing as well as problem with memory and contributes
to Stunting. Proper amount of iron consumption varies among ages. An infant of 0–6 months is
recommended to consume around 0.27 mg of iron. An infant of 7–12 months is recommended to
consume 11 mg of iron. A child of 1–3 years is recommended to consume 7 mg of iron. A child of
4–8 years is recommended to consume 10 mg of iron. A child of 9–13 years is recommended to
consume 8 mg of iron.
Age Group
RDA (Iron)
0-6 months
0.27 mg
7-12 months
11 mg
1-3 years
7 mg
4-8 years
10 mg
9-13 years
8 mg
Vitamin A: Vitamin A is a nutrient responsible for our eyesight and in supporting of our
immune system. Vitamin A deficiency will cause bad eyesight and prone to infections. Being prone
to infections will result in the body’s growth process slowed, which lead to stunting. An infant of
6-11 months is recommended to consume a dosage of 100.000 IU of vitamin A in a day. While a
child of 1-4 years is recommended to consume a dosage of 200.000 IU of vitamin B in a day.
Age Group
RDA (Vitamin A)
6-11 months
100 000
1-4 years
200 000
Calories: Calories are needed to sustain a child's growth and prevent stunting. In addition
to the nutrients mentioned above, the missing calories can be filled by having the child eat
carbohydrates and fats. Rice, corn, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and cassava are good sources of these
calories. The calories are then to be distributed for a range of carbohydrate 45%-65% of total
calorie, protein 10%-35% of total calorie, and fat 20%-30 of total calorie. An infant requires 300900 kcal in a day. A toddler of 1-3 years is recommended to consume around 1000-1400 of kcal in
a day. A child of 4-8 years is recommended to consume around 1200-2000 of kcal in a day. A child
of 9-13 years is recommended to consume around 1600-2600 of kcal in a day.
Age Group
RDA (kcal/day)
0–6 months
350
7 months to 1 year
980
1–3 years
1000-1400
4–8 years
1200-2000
9–13 years
1600-2600
2.2 Hypothesis
Affordable foods that can counter stunting are simple whole foods that we often set
aside in the markets, foods like fermented beans, eggs and vegetables. The foods are
affordable and nutritious at the same time, enough to combat stunting and prevent it from
our children.
2.3Attempts done by the Government
There have been many attempts done by the government to decrease the amount of
children suffering from stunting and it bears fruit for the past recent years:
Percentage (%)
Percentage of
Indonesian
children (%)
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
2018
2019
2021
2022
2023
Year
2019: The budget to reduce stunting was IDR 29.26 T and has dropped from 30.8% in 2018
to 27.7% in 2019. By 2020 there are no data due to them having covid-19 matters, though
IDR 50.03 T has been allocated. However by 2021 the budget declined to IDR 31.74 due
to some of the budget must be allocated to somewhere as covid-19 became a pandemic,
though it decreased to 24.4%. By 2022, the stunting prevelance decreased by 21.6%. By
2023, stunting rate had decreased to 21.5%.
2.4 Affordable Standards for Indonesians
Affordable prices for Indonesians may vary from different families. Though the
lowest a person can live in Indonesia, with a pay IDR 500.000/months is IDR 17.000.
Judging from this, the nutritious food that Indonesians need to prevent stunting from their
child, should cost around IDR 10.000-20.000 per person to be affordable, considering that
IDR 17.000 spending was when the person is really frugal with its expenses.
Chapter III
Research Methodology
3.1 Research Methodology
The research to find an affordable way to prevent stunting among children will be done by
researching nutritional facts among foods commonly found in local markets. The research will be
done by descriptive studies, which according to Shona McCombes, a study method designed to
accurately and systematically describe a population, situation or phenomenon. The researcher
concludes that descriptive studies is a research methodology, designed to .have results from
experiments. Which is suitable for the topic, prevention of stunting,
The data will be taken mostly from Research Papers, as a lot of researches regarding stunting are
mostly Indonesian as their test subjects making it reliable and accurate for Indonesia’s needs. As
well as data from experts on the field, to provide more data sources.
3.2 Research Subjects
The subject of the research will be the affordable foods that is common in local markets.
Foods like eggs, soybeans, anchovy and other local vegetables. The research will cite mainly from
existing research papers, United States Department of Agriculture data, National Institute of Health
and Indonesian Health ministry.
3.4 Definition of Affordable
Affordable prices may vary from social class. Though the lowest people can spend in
Indonesian is Rp.17 000 in a single day according
Chapter IV
Data Findings and Discussion
4.1 Data Findings
Protein: There are a lot of foods in the market that is both high in protein as well as
affordable. For example, tempe, a fermented soybeans has 20g of protein whilst only costing Rp
10.000/100g. Another product of soybean, Tahu, has 19g of protein, 20g of fat, and 11g of
carbohydrates, with little to no content of sodium, sugars and saturated fat. Eggs beside having
protein also contains other nutrients such as calcium, potassium vitamin A, iron, vitamin B12,
riboflavin and choline whilst only costing you Rp.2000/egg.
Nutritional
Contents,
Calories and
Price (/100g)
Protein (g)
Fat (g)
Carbohydrates
(g)
Zinc (mg)
Calcium (mg)
Iron (mg)
Calories (kcal)
Price (Rp.)
Tempe
Egg
Tahu
Anchovy
20.8
8.8
12.5
0.37
9
8
20.4
4.8
13.5
0.37
2
0
1.7
13
4
193
10,000
1.29
56
1.75
143
4,000
0.8
350
1.1
115
8,000
1.72
147
3.25
131
13,000
When compared to the protein sources a lot of Indonesians buy, it is usually at a higher price. Meats
like chickens or beefs, though rich in protein is also expensive in terms of price, ranging from
15.000-70.000/100 g.
Nutritional Contents (/100g)
Chicken (Breast)
Beef
Protein (g)
Fat (g)
Carbohydrates (g)
Zinc (mg)
Calcium (mg)
31
1
0
1
0
26
10
0
5
10
0.7
165
15 000
Iron (mg)
Calories (kcal)
Price (Rp.)
2.5
200
40 000
Zinc: Zinc is quite easy to find among the common whole foods. Foods like eggs, anchovy
and soybean has little amounts of zinc, but they are enough considering the recommended amount
of zinc to consume is little.
Nutritional
Contents,
Calories and
Price (/100g)
Protein (g)
Fat (g)
Carbohydrates
(g)
Zinc (mg)
Calcium (mg)
Iron (mg)
Calories (kcal)
Price (Rp.)
Tempe
Egg
Anchovy
Oysters
20.8
8.8
12.5
0.37
20.4
4.8
7
2.5
13.5
0.37
0
1.7
13
4
193
10,000
1.29
56
1.75
143
4,000
1.72
147
3.25
131
13,000
3.9
78.6
45
6.7
68
5 000
Calcium: Calcium is also one of those nutrients that we swapped away in the market.
Besides milk, vegetables like spinach, broccoli, mustard, kangkong, pakchoy are dense with
calcium. Spinach for example, has 99mg of Calcium, Pakchoy having 105mg, 77mg, whilst also
getting other benefits like its vitamins and fibre.
Nutritional
Contents, Calories
and Price (/100g)
Protein (g)
Spinach
Pakchoy
Water Spinach
2.9
1.5
2.6
Fat (g)
0.4
0.2
0.2
Carbohydrates (g)
3.6
2.2
3.1
Zinc (mg)
0.53
0.19
0.18
Calcium (mg)
99
105
77
Iron (mg)
2.7
0.8
1.7
Calories (kcal)
23
13
19
Price (Rp.)
6 000
8 500
7 000
Iron: Iron is a mineral that is easy to find in the market. Besides containing other nutrients
and minerals, foods like egg, tempeh and anchovy contained iron. Considering the amount of
recommended iron consumption daily is little, whole foods like egg, soybeans and anchovy will
sustain the body’s daily needs.
Nutritional Contents,
Calories and Price
(/100g)
Protein (g)
Fat (g)
Carbohydrates (g)
Zinc (mg)
Calcium (mg)
Iron (mg)
Calories (kcal)
Price (Rp.)
Tempe
Egg
Anchovy
20.8
8.8
13.5
1.7
13
4
193
10,000
12.5
0.37
0.37
1.29
56
1.75
143
4,000
20.4
4.8
0
1.72
147
3.25
131
13,000
Vitamin A: Vitamin A can be found mostly on vegetables. Vegetables like carrots, spinach,
lettuce and sweet potato, all are rich in vitamin A.
Nutritional Contents,
Calories and Price
(/100g)
Protein (g)
Fat (g)
Carbohydrates (g)
Zinc (mg)
Calcium (mg)
Iron (mg)
Vitamin A (IU)
Calories (kcal)
Price (Rp.)
Spinach
Carrot
Lettuce
2.9
0.4
3.6
0.53
99
2.7
2 780
23
6 000
0.3
0.2
9.6
0.24
33
0.3
2 780
41
2100
1.4
0.2
2.9
5.8
36
0.9
14 800
15
5000
Calories: Calories needed to sustain child’s growth and to prevent a child from stunting.
Besides the nutrients said above, the missing calories can be done by having the child eat
carbohydrates and fats. A lot of it can be done by rice, corn, potato, sweet potato and cassava.
Nutritional
Contents, Calories
and Price (/100g)
Protein (g)
Fat (g)
Carbohydrates (g)
Zinc (mg)
Calcium (mg)
Iron (mg)
Calories (Cal)
Price (Rp.)
White Rice
Corn
Sweet Potato
Cassava
3,56
0,28
13.5
0,8
4,5
0,3
130
2,900
5,1
0,7
31,5
0,9
6
1,1
346
2,500
1,4
0,3
38
0,3
16
0,3
160
1,200
1,6
0,1
20
0,3
30
0,6
86
1,300
Chapter V
Conclusion
Chronic undernutrition refers to stunting which impairs cognitive development and
physical growth of a child which later results in him or her suffering from a plethora of health
issues and other difficulties. A child will not face the aforementioned issues if he or she has a
balanced diet with enough protein, minerals, and vitamins as it helps in optimal bone growth,
proper brain development, and ultimate functioning of the immune system.
Providing children with a diet that contains inexpensive yet nutrient dense foods will ensure
that the child is nourished without having to spent money on processed products. Simple
combinations of meals help achieve that goal. As an example, rice can be combined with stir-fried
vegetables and scrambled eggs or anchovies with rice, soybean, and vegetable soup.
With thoughtful food selection, chowder, and careful recipe instructions, achieving proper
growth as well as development in children can be achieved in an affordable manner,
References:
1. Kementerian Kesehatan Republik Indonesia. (n.d.). Mengenal apa itu stunting. Yankes
Kemenkes. Retrieved from https://yankes.kemkes.go.id/view_artikel/1388/mengenal-apaitu-stunting
2. Alodokter. (n.d.). Stunting. Retrieved from https://www.alodokter.com/stunting
3. Siloam Hospitals. (n.d.). Apa itu stunting? Informasi Siloam. Retrieved
from https://www.siloamhospitals.com/informasi-siloam/artikel/apa-itu-stunting
4. RSUD Blora. (2022, December 15). Mengenal stunting: Penyebab hingga cara
pencegahannya. Retrieved from https://rsudblora.blorakab.go.id/2022/12/15/mengenalstunting-penyebab-hingga-cara-pencegahannya/
5. Link, R. (2023, March 8). 9 important functions of protein in your body. Healthline.
Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/functions-of-protein
6. MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Dietary proteins. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved
from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002467.htm#:~:text=Proteins%20are%20the%2
0building%20blocks,%2C%20teens%2C%20and%20pregnant%20women.
7. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8147948/table/nutrients-13-01554-t001/
8. WebMD. (n.d.). Zinc: Uses, side effects, interactions, dosage, and warning. Retrieved
from https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-982/zinc
9. Mount Sinai. (n.d.). Zinc. Health Library. Retrieved
from https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/zinc
10. MedPark Hospital. (n.d.). Health benefits of iron. Retrieved
from https://www.medparkhospital.com/en-US/lifestyles/health-benefits-of-iron
11. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. (n.d.). Calcium: Fact sheet
for health professionals. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/CalciumHealthProfessional/
12. American Academy of Pediatrics. (n.d.). Calcium: The bone builder kids and teens need.
HealthyChildren.org. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthyliving/nutrition/Pages/calcium-the-bone-builder-kids-and-teens-need.aspx
13. Dinas Kesehatan Aceh. (n.d.). Bulan Februari-Agustus itu bulannya vitamin A. Retrieved
from https://dinkes.acehprov.go.id/detailpost/bulan-februari-agustus-itu-bulannyavitamin-a
14. Romulo, A., & Surya, R. (2021). Tempe: A traditional fermented food of Indonesia and its
health benefits. International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science, 26,
100413. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgfs.2021.100413
15. Réhault-Godbert, S., Guyot, N., & Nys, Y. (2019). The golden egg: Nutritional value,
bioactivities, and emerging benefits for human health. Nutrients, 11(3),
684. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11030684
16. U.S. Department of Agriculture, FoodData Central. (n.d.). FoodData Central: [Food
details]. Retrieved from https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/169975/nutrients
17. U.S. Department of Agriculture, FoodData Central. (n.d.). FoodData Central: [Food
details]. Retrieved from https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/168462/nutrients
18. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2014). Pediatric Nutrition Handbook.
19. U.S. Department of Agriculture, FoodData Central. (n.d.). FoodData Central: [Food
details]. Retrieved from https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/fooddetails/170393/nutrients
20. Scribbr. (n.d.). Shona McCombes. Retrieved from https://www.scribbr.com/author/shona/
21. U.S. Department of Agriculture, FoodData Central. (n.d.). FoodData Central: [Food
details]. Retrieved from https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/fooddetails/169249/nutrients
22. FoodData Central. (n.d.). Food details: 169975 nutrients. U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Retrieved from https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/169975/nutrients
23. FoodData Central. (n.d.). Food details: 174270 nutrients. U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Retrieved from https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/174270/nutrients
24. Hello Sehat. (n.d.). Kalori nasi: Fakta gizi dan manfaatnya. Retrieved from
https://hellosehat.com/nutrisi/fakta-gizi/kalori-nasi/
25. Hello Sehat. (n.d.). Manfaat jagung untuk kesehatan. Retrieved from
https://hellosehat.com/nutrisi/fakta-gizi/manfaat-jagung-untuk-kesehatan/
26. Calorie Counter Australia. (n.d.). Calories in maize white meal whole grains. Retrieved
from https://www.caloriecounter.com.au/food/calories-in-maize-white-meal-whole-grains/
27. FoodData Central. (n.d.). Food details: 168482 nutrients. U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Retrieved from https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/168482/nutrients
28. Global Nutrition Report. (n.d.). Indonesia nutrition profile. Retrieved from
https://globalnutritionreport.org/resources/nutrition-profiles/asia/south-easternasia/indonesia/
29. ScienceDirect. (n.d.). Article abstract on nutrition research. Retrieved from
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1878450X21001128?via%3Dihub
30. Lembaga Penelitian dan Pengembangan Kesehatan. (n.d.). Laporan Riset Kesehatan
Dasar (Riskesdas). Kementerian Kesehatan Republik Indonesia. Retrieved from
https://www.litbang.kemkes.go.id/laporan-riset-kesehatan-dasar-riskesdas/
31. Kementerian Kesehatan RI. (2017). Tabel Komposisi Pangan Indonesia [Indonesian Food
Composition Table]. Kementerian Kesehatan Republik Indonesia.
http://www.panganku.org/
32. U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2024). Beef, ground, 85% lean meat / 15% fat, raw.
FoodData Central. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/
33. CNBC Indonesia. (2023, January 19). Kategori miskin di RI: Pengeluaran di bawah Rp
17.851/hari [The poor category in Indonesia: Expenditure below Rp 17,851/day].
https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20230119080431-4-406648/kategori-miskin-di-ripengeluaran-di-bawah-rp-17851---hari