Ariana Endrinikapoulos, Diana Nur Afifah, Maria Mexitalia, Ani Margawati, Etika Ratna Noer, Robi Andoyo, Ihat Hatimah, Nuryanto Nuryanto, Ayu Fauziyyah Adhimah
Background Essential amino acids deficiencies could impair children’s linear growth and development. Whey protein is a source of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) that stimulate growth hormone. The fortification of high-protein biscuits with whey protein represents a promising strategy for accelerating the growth and development of stunted children. Objective The objective was to examine the effect of providing high-whey protein biscuits on BCAA levels, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels, and the development of stunted children. Methods A true experimental study with pretest-posttest design was conducted among 47 stunted children, selected through simple random sampling into two groups: the intervention group ( n = 25) and the control group ( n = 22). The intervention group was given high-whey protein biscuits with a protein content of 13.8 g, while the control group was given an egg and a packet of tempeh, providing in a total protein content of 12 g. The intervention was administered for 12 weeks. Compliance and intake during the intervention were monitored. BCAA levels, IGF-1 levels, and developmental progress were assessed using the Developmental Pre-Screening Questionnaire (KPSP). Result Significant increase in height and IGF-1 levels were observed in both the intervention group ( p < 0.05) and the control group ( p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was noted in BCAA levels or child development in either two groups before and after the intervention. Conclusion The administration of high-whey protein biscuits resulted in a mean height increase of 1.77 cm and a median IGF-1 increase of 18.84 ng/mL. © 2026 The Authors.
Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Central Java, Semarang, Indonesia; Department of Nutrition, Panti Rapih School of Health Sciences, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University/Dr. Kariadi Hospital, Central Java, Semarang, Indonesia; Department of Food Industrial Technology, Faculty of Agriculture Industrial Technology, Padjadjaran University, West Java, Bandung, Indonesia; Department of Public Education, Graduate School, Indonesia University of Education, West Java, Bandung, Indonesia
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