Hasan Basri, Nur Hikmah, Veni Hadju, Burhanuddin Bahar, Andi Zulkifli, Syamsiar S. Russeng

Effect of Moringa Oliefera Supplementation During Pregnancy on Stunting in Children of Pre-School Age

Introduction

Effect of moringa oliefera supplementation during pregnancy on stunting in children of pre-school age. Discover how Moringa Oliefera supplementation during pregnancy impacts stunting in preschool children. A study in Jeneponto found Moringa extract significantly reduced stunting rates.

Abstract

Stunting is a growth failure due to a lack of nutrition that has lasted from pregnancy to 24 months of age. This study aims to examine the effect of moringa supplementation during pregnancy on stunting in preschool children (5-6 years old). This study is a follow-up study of a Randomized Control Trial with Double Blind study that provides moringa supplements in the form of PG (Powder Group), EG (Extract Group), and as well as IFA (Iron Folate Acid) supplements to pregnant women. The subjects were 303 children in six sub-districts in Jeneponto District who were children of mothers who received supplementation of PG, EG, and IFA during pregnancy. Children’s height was measured using a microtoice. Data were statistically analyzed using the Logistic Regression test. The results showed a significant difference between the three groups. EG intervention had a significant effect on stunting in preschool-age children (5-6 years old). EG intervention (24.18%) showed the lowest prevalence of stunting among PG (25.47) and IFA (38.68%) interventions. EG prevented stunting by 2.215 times compared to the other intervention groups. The provision of Moringa extract to pregnant women has a better effect on reducing stunting.

Review

This study presents compelling evidence regarding the long-term impact of maternal moringa supplementation during pregnancy on childhood stunting. Utilizing a robust follow-up design from a randomized controlled trial, the research aimed to determine if moringa, in either powder (PG) or extract (EG) form, could mitigate stunting in preschool children (5-6 years old) compared to standard Iron Folate Acid (IFA) supplementation. The findings indicate a significant protective effect, particularly with the moringa extract intervention, highlighting a promising, accessible nutritional strategy to combat a persistent public health challenge like stunting. The clear objective and focus on a critical developmental window make this research highly relevant. While the study’s design as a follow-up to a double-blind RCT is a significant strength, lending considerable validity to its conclusions, some aspects could benefit from further detail. The abstract effectively conveys the significant difference between intervention groups and the superior performance of the moringa extract, noting a "2.215 times" prevention compared to other groups. However, clarifying the precise statistical metric for this "prevention" (e.g., odds ratio, relative risk reduction) and whether "other groups" refers to PG, IFA, or a combined comparison, would enhance interpretability. Additionally, information regarding the specific doses of moringa and IFA administered during pregnancy, the duration of the original RCT, and how potential post-natal confounders (e.g., child feeding practices, illness burden, household socioeconomic status) were addressed in this long-term follow-up would provide crucial context for a comprehensive understanding of the observed effects. In conclusion, this research strongly suggests that the provision of moringa extract to pregnant women offers a more effective approach to reducing stunting prevalence in their children by preschool age than moringa powder or standard IFA. These findings hold substantial practical implications, particularly for regions burdened by high rates of malnutrition and stunting, pointing towards a potentially scalable and sustainable intervention. Future research should aim to replicate these results across different populations, explore the underlying biological mechanisms for moringa extract's superior efficacy, and conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis to inform policy and public health program implementation.

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