Exclusive Breastfeeding Reduces The Incidence of Stunting in Toddlers

Abstract

Under-five stunting is a chronic nutritional problem that arises due to various factors, such as maternal nutritional conditions during pregnancy, lack of nutritional intake for infants, and socio-economic conditions. Stunting has a relationship with neurocognitive disorders and is at risk of developing PTM or non-communicable diseases in the future. This problem must be addressed immediately so children need to reach optimal heights. Exclusive breastfeeding can be used as an intervention to reduce the risk of stunting because breast milk contains antibodies, and the calcium content in breast milk has a high bioavailability so that it can be absorbed optimally, especially in the function of bone formation. This study aimed to identify exclusive breastfeeding for the incidence of stunting. The method used is a literature review. Sources of literature search used three electronic databases: Google Scholar, Garuda Ristekbrin, and Elsevier. The literature review results found that all articles showed a relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and the incidence of stunting. The lower the level of exclusive breastfeeding, the higher the incidence of stunting in toddlers. Suggestions for further research are the need to increase the mechanism of exclusive breastfeeding, the frequency of exclusive breastfeeding, and the timing of exclusive breastfeeding. In addition, researchers also need to add other variables that can be used as interventions and prevention efforts against stunting, such as the provision of complementary feeding and complementary foods (PMT).