THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PROTEIN, SELECTED VITAMINS AND SELENIUM TO MORBIDITY IN YOUNG CHILDREN

Abstract

Morbidity rate in children under 3 years of age is higher among rural than urban area. Adequate intake of protein and selected vitamins suppresses the immune system to function efficiently. This cross-sectional study at Tangerang district was aimed to understand the difference in protein, selected vitamins and selenium intake to morbidity episode among young children. A total of 87 children under 3 years of age was drawn randomly from 3 selected villages. All measurement was carried out by well trained professional health personnel’s. The independent t-test and Mann-Whitney were employed to analyze the data. The young
children aged 7-11 month (16.1%) and 12-36 month (83.9%), weight was 9.8±2.1 (kg), height was 78.5±8.1
(cm), and MUAC was 13.5±6.6 (cm). The average intake of protein, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Selenium in
children aged 7-11 month were 12.7±11.0 (g), 42.7±108.1 (mg), 0.8±1.2 (mg), and 0.1±0.0 (mcg), respectively. Then for the children age 12-36 month were 26.6±15.5 (g), 23.0±34.6 (mg), 2.2±1.8 (mg), and 0.3±1.4(mcg), respectively. There were no differences in protein, vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium intakes between morbidity episode among children aged 12-36 month (p≥0.05). While, there was a difference in protein intake between morbidity status in younger children (p<0.05).  This study failed to find contribution of selected vitamins and selenium to morbidity status. An adequate intake of protein, selected vitamins and
minerals was needed to curb the intermittent infections.
Keywords: Protein, Selected Vitamins, Selenium, Morbidity, Young Children