The difference of protein intake in stunted and non-stunted toddler at subdistrict Pujon, Malang, East Java, Indonesia

Stunting is known as impaired growth and development due to malnutrition, chronic inflammation, and psychosocial stimulation. Malnutrition may cause by inadequate intake, poor quality intake, or a combination of both. An in vivo study on inadequate protein levels shows stunting, decreased muscle mass, weight loss, suppressed immune function, and growth hormone. This study aims to analyze the differences in protein intake levels in the stunted and non-stunted toddlers in subdistrict Pujon, Malang. The design of this research was an observational analytic case-control study. The population were toddlers in Pujon Malang, 24 - 59 months (5 years) whose parents were willing to sign an informed consent to be respondent. Measurement of height/age was classified as stunted if the z-score -3 SD (standard deviation) until < -2 SD for case group and z-score -2 SD until 2 SD for control group that consist of 37 toddlers stunted and 37 toddler non-stunted. Protein intake was obtained from the food recall 1 × 24 hours method, while height variables were obtained from measurement. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test. The results show that a higher protein intake of 75.7% in non-stunted toddlers are observed than stunted toddlers by 51.4%, with a significant difference. Stunted toddlers aged 24 - 59 months in subdistrict Pujon, Malang, had protein intake lower than the non-stunted toddler.