Natural Sources for Nutrient Supplementation in Stunting Management: Formulation and Stability Challenges

Stunting can be mitigated effectively through a nutritious diet and targeted supplements. The long-term effects of stunting include increased morbidity and mortality rates, reduced cognitive and developmental capacity, and a higher susceptibility to infections and diseases in adulthood, which ultimately impacts productivity and the global economy. This review aims to provide an overview of the macro and micronutrients primarily derived from natural sources used in stunting management. Additionally, it examines the factors influencing formulation and the stability challenges encountered when these nutrients serve as supplements. Such scrutiny ensures that active ingredients remain stable throughout manufacturing, storage, and use. In this review, relevant literature was collected and filtered based on specific keywords and publication years. These sources were obtained from electronic databases and include review articles, original research articles, case reports, and book chapters. The findings indicate that essential nutrients for children with stunting include macronutrients (e.g., carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) and micronutrients (e.g., vitamins and minerals). Regularly, a common challenge in formulating supplements as pharmaceutical dosage forms is poor stability. This instability can be influenced by various factors during production, including temperature, humidity, light exposure, and air. Vitamins, minerals, or amino acids within supplements are particularly susceptible to undesirable chemical reactions, such as hydrolysis, oxidation, and other degradation processes. These reactions may lead to the formation of impurities or a reduction in nutrient content. For this reason, ensuring optimal production parameters, selecting appropriate packaging materials, and maintaining proper storage conditions are essential to preserving the stability and shelf life of multivitamin supplements. Ultimately, these efforts contribute significantly to reducing the global prevalence of stunting.