Malang, October 19, 2019 - The problem of malnutrition during the first 1000 Days of Life (in the womb until the child is two years old) is still a challenge for the future of Indonesian children. Special medical conditions such as Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) in children can complicate the fulfillment of the necessary nutrients, so that if not handled properly, can lead to conditions of nutritional deficiencies. In the framework of the National Heart Day, Nutricia-Sarihusada as part of Danone Specialized Nutrition held a 'Nutrition Talk' event by inviting experts, communities, and journalists and bloggers in Malang to discuss and recognize the signs and nutritional needs of children with CHD to help grow optimal flower.
Arif Mujahidin - Corporate Communication Director of Danone Indonesia said, "Children must still be fulfilled their nutritional adequacy through food in any health condition, because the intake of nutrients through food will help their growth and stamina and endurance..”
Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) affects children with abnormalities in the structure of the heart or the function of the heart's circulation that occurs due to a disruption or failure of the development of the heart structure in the early stages of fetal development. Shortness of breath or fast breathing, difficulty eating, excessive sweating while eating, cyanosis (bluish-colored skin, lips and nails) can be a sign of congenital heart disease. Based on its location and severity, more than 34 types of CHD have been identified and most of them inhibit blood flow to the heart and surrounding blood vessels or can cause abnormal blood flow to or from the heart.
“In Indonesia, the incidence of CHD is estimated to reach 43,200 cases from 4.8 million live births, which is around 7 - 8 out of 1000 births annually. If not detected early and not treated properly, the risk of patients not being saved reaches 50% in the first month of life. In addition, one of the main problems of children with CHD is poor nutritional status. To prevent increased morbidity and mortality related to malnutrition in children with CHD, early detection and intensive nutrition are needed according to doctor's supervision. "Child Cardiology Consultant Dr. Dyahris Koentartiwi, SpA (K).
In general the causes of malnutrition can be divided into 3 categories: inadequate calorie intake, inefficient absorption and utilization, and / or increased energy / calorie requirements. In children with CHD, inadequate intake occurs due to difficulty eating because it is difficult to suck, swallow, tired when eating and the limitation of fluids makes children with CHD need different nutritional management. Children born with congenital heart defects will increase the risk of conditions of failure to thrive due to inadequate nutritional intake and suboptimal health and dependence on medical assistance in hospitals.
“Children with congenital heart disease require intensive nutrition and high-calorie foods to provide optimal growth and development and a better quality of life for children. This includes monitoring by diagnosing nutritional status and nutritional problems; determine calorie requirements, protein, amount of fluid; determine the route of nutrition delivery; type of food; and monitoring success ... With this approach, children with CHD are expected to be able to avoid serious conditions such as malnutrition and stunting which can worsen their health. ", said Child Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases Consultant Dr. Anik Puryanti, SpA (K).
Nutrition Talk is an educational program initiated by Danone to increase awareness of the important role of nutrition to support public health in important times of life. In addition to holding educational talkshows, Danone employees in Indonesia also participate in conducting volunteering activities to accompany and entertain children with PJB. "We hope that the Nutrition Talk activity in Malang can increase public awareness and encourage the proper handling of nutrition for children with Congenital Heart Disease so that children can grow and develop optimally." concluded Arif Mujahidin.
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