On August 31, 2023, Assoc. Prof. Nipa Rojroongwasinkul, Advisors of Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University and Principal Investigator for SEANUTS II in Thailand participated in the event “Celebrating the Success of the ‘Forwarding Smiles to Thai Children’ Project, 3rd Year Edition,” organized by Friesland Campina (Thailand) Public Company Limited at Renaissance Ratchaprasong Hotel.
In this regard, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nipa summarized the current situation of nutritional status of Thai children. From the SENUS II survey results, it was found that children in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam have 3 types of malnutrition problems (Triple Burden of Malnutrition) including
1) nutritional deficiency (undernutrition), such as short stature, dwarfism
2) secondary malnutrition (micronutrients deficiencies) and
3) overnutrition (overweight and obesity)
which are often found together in the same country or in some cases within the same family. In the group of young children under 5 years of age, it was found that they still had dwarfism. which may affect development the ability to learn in school and intellectual abilities. In Thai children, it was found in 1 in 16 children, In Indonesia it was found in 1 in 35 people, In Malaysia it was found in 1 in 7 people, and in Vietnam, it was found in 1 in 10 people. And when children enter school age (7 – 12 years old) It was found that 30 – 32 percent were overweight and obese among Thai, Malaysian, and Vietnamese children while 15 per cent of Indonesian children were found. Overall, more than 70 per cent of children from the four countries (aged 6 months – 12 years) were found to have inadequate calcium intake. and more than 84 percent received vitamin D below the recommended thresholds (compared to estimated daily nutrient requirements). Calcium and vitamin D are essential nutrients that affect growth and immune function. Finding Anemia is also prevalent, affecting over 24% of children aged 4 and above.
The results of this research and the health status of Thai children are from Friesland Campina (Thailand) Public Company Limited, which is the sponsor of the research funding. It has been used to further develop ready-to-drink UHT milk products for children so that the products have comprehensive nutrients that meet the needs of Thai children.
Friesland Campina (Thailand) Public Company Limited together with the Mirror Foundation Committed to supporting and delivering milk to vulnerable children and families across the country for the third consecutive year.
