Stunting — impaired growth that leaves children shorter than their age — remains a serious problem in Indonesia and across Southeast Asia. This review examines Moringa oleifera leaves as a food to help prevent it.
Prevention hinges on good nutrition during the “First 1,000 Days of Life” (HPK), from pregnancy to age two. This literature study (Google Scholar, 2017–2021) reviewed the evidence for moringa leaves — rich in micro- and macronutrients — as a food ingredient in that window.
Key points
- Moringa leaves are dense in the micro- and macronutrients critical for child growth.
- They are well-suited to the First 1,000 Days nutrition window (pregnancy to age 2).
- The review supports moringa as an accessible food to help prevent stunting.
Caveat: a literature review; this is research information, not medical advice.
Summary of: (2021). “Moringa leaves as an alternative food in efforts to prevent stunting.” Jurnal Moringa, 8(2). DOI: 10.52365/jm.v8i2.381. Summarised by MORIFA; full paper via the link above.