Immune Response and Nutritional Status of Infants’ Birth after Supplementation with Dadih and Zinc during Pregnancy: A Prospective Intervention Study

BACKGROUND: Dadih is an Indonesian traditional fermented buffalo milk produced and consumed by the secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) level and nutritional status of infants aged 4–10 months. AIM: This study aims to assess the effect of dadih and zinc supplementation given to pregnant mothers for 6 months on fecal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted in two districts on 138 pregnant mothers for 6 months, randomly assigned into three groups, namely, control, dadih, combination of dadih and zinc groups. Then, the combination of groups was supplemented to expecting mothers, respectively, 6 times a week during 6 months. Anthropometric measurement and fecal sIgA of infants were assessed. RESULTS: The prevalence of nutritional status of infants who mothers were supplemented during pregnancy with dadih, dadih and zinc, and, normal diet, respectively, are 10% stunting, 5.0% underweight, and 5.0% wasting infants; and 22.5% stunted, 20.0% underweight, and 5.0% wasting infants were found in expecting mothers supplemented with it and without any supplementation (control group). The percentage of stunting in 8 months and older infants tended to reduce: 28.57%, 31.25%, and 11.76%. Their mothers were supplemented with all groups. CONCLUSION: Dadih and zinc are potential for improving nutritional status of the newborn. In addition, the two types of supplementation are recommended to pregnant mothers, to reduce the prevalence of stunting. Potential probiotic contained in Dadih which consumed in adequate amounts can help the absorption of nutrients and increase immunity of mothers and infants amounts confer a health benefit. Acceleration and growth of infants to achieve optimal growth and development should be carried out before they are under two years old.