Introduction: Newborns have low vitamin A reserves and rely on breastmilk to meet their vitamin A needs. This study aimed to determine factors associated with vitamin A concentration in colostrum of rural postpartum mothers. Methods: Out of 180 postpartum women interviewed at seven Community Health Centers in South Sulawesi Province, 160 who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Breastmilk (colostrum) samples were obtained shortly after delivery from the breast that was not full and not fed to the infant for at least 30 min. Breastmilk samples of 3-5 mls were collected into sterile plastic tubes using a manual pump. The samples were immediately placed in an icebox and transported to the laboratory within six hours after collection. Vitamin A concentrations were determined using HPLC method. Socioeconomic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, gestational age, and dietary intake of mothers (24-hour recall) were obtained. Bivariate and multiple linear regression analysis were undertaken to determine factors associated with vitamin A concentration in colostrum. Results: Dietary assessment showed unsatisfactory intake levels of calories, fat, protein, vitamin A, iron and zinc compared to the recommendations for Indonesia. Mean vitamin A concentration in colostrum was 58.2 μg/dl, and about 81.2% of the participants had normal colostrum vitamin A concentration. Iron intake and gestational age were significantly associated with colostrum vitamin A concentrations. Conclusion: Majority of the postpartum mothers had normal colostrum vitamin A concentration. Maternal dietary intake including iron is important to ensure adequacy of vitamin A in breastmilk.

Background and Objectives: Malnutrition is a serious public health problem in developing countries, including Indonesia. Based on RISKESDAS 2018, the prevalence of stunting aged 13-15 years in Takalar Regency is 24.83%. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of stunting and the determinants of stunting in adolescent girls aged 13-15 years in the South Galesong District, Takalar Regency. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study using purposive sampling method that included 247 adolescent girls in selected junior high schools. Data collection used questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. An anthropometric measurement was converted to the indices of nutritional status using World Health Organization Anthro Plus software. Results: The prevalence of stunting was 25.1%. Bivariate analysis showed determinant factors related significantly to stunting were energy intake (p<0.001), protein intake (p<0.001), iron intake (p<0.005), and zinc intake (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed determinant factors related significantly to stunting were zinc intake (p<0.001, OR=7.993), protein intake (p<0.05, OR=2.248), and knowledge level (p<0.05, OR=2.032). Conclusion The occurrence of stunting is related to the quality and quantity of food and the level of adolescent knowledge about balanced nutrition. It is necessary to hold educational programs and interventions on improving nutrition initiated by stakeholders and the department of health, in this case, the health center is needed to reduce stunting rates, especially among adolescents.
Malnutrition ; Growth Disorders ; Adolescent