THE ROLE OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING IN PREVENTING MALNUTRITION AND STUNTING IN INFANTS: A NUTRITION AND HEALTH REVIEW

Diana Listy L.P.  Nababan; Andi Muhammad Fajri  Rusdianto; Chenanya Putera  Siadari; Dina  Maghfiroh; Eunike Gracia  Sigalingging; Intan Putri  Pertiwi; Joseph Bagasjati  Pradika; Marchsel Sinaga; Miftha Farid  Sadikin; Muhammad Luthfi Al  Rasuli; Muhammad Taupik  Ibrahim; Novia Tri  Nurcahya; Yesania Putri Umbe  Deta

doi:10.31004/joecy.v6i1.8965

Authors

Diana Listy L.P. Nababan Universitas Pertahanan RI Bogor
Andi Muhammad Fajri Rusdianto Universitas Pertahanan RI Bogor
Chenanya Putera Siadari Universitas Pertahanan RI Bogor
Dina Maghfiroh Universitas Pertahanan RI Bogor
Eunike Gracia Sigalingging Universitas Pertahanan RI Bogor
Intan Putri Pertiwi Universitas Pertahanan RI Bogor
Joseph Bagasjati Pradika Universitas Pertahanan RI Bogor
Marchsel Sinaga Universitas Pertahanan RI Bogor
Miftha Farid Sadikin Universitas Pertahanan RI Bogor
Muhammad Luthfi Al Rasuli Universitas Pertahanan RI Bogor
Muhammad Taupik Ibrahim Universitas Pertahanan RI Bogor
Novia Tri Nurcahya Universitas Pertahanan RI Bogor
Yesania Putri Umbe Deta Universitas Pertahanan RI Bogor

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31004/joecy.v6i1.8965

Keywords:

Exclusive Breastfeeding, Malnutrition, Breastfeeding, Prevention, Stunting

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition and stunting are critical global health challenges, especially in developing countries like Indonesia, where the rate of exclusive breastfeeding is still low despite its proven protective effects. Objective: This review systematically examines the nutritional and immunological roles of exclusive breastfeeding in preventing malnutrition and stunting, while also evaluating strategies to increase coverage. Methods: A qualitative approach with a systematic literature review (PRISMA protocol); Population of scientific literature 2021-2025 from Google Scholar, PubMed, WHO; purposive sample of 15-20 high-quality studies (cohort, meta-analysis); thematic coding analysis and MMAT assessment. Results: Exclusive breastfeeding reduces the risk of stunting by up to 77% (OR 0.23), provides bioavailable macronutrients, immune factors (IgA, lactoferrin), as well as infection and growth protection. Conclusion: Exclusive breastfeeding is a cost-effective prevention; integrate community education and policy reform into national programs to achieve stunting <14% by 2025. Limitations include reliance on secondary data. Further research recommends longitudinal RCTs.

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