Mulyani, Aisyah Tri and Khairinisa, Miski Aghnia and Khatib, Alfi and Chaerunisaa, Anis Yohana (2025) Understanding stunting: impact, causes, and strategy to accelerate stunting reduction—a narrative review. Nutrients, 17 (9). pp. 1-29. ISSN 2072-6643
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Abstract
Stunting is a major global health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, due to its persistently high prevalence. It often originates from chronic malnutrition during the critical first 1000 days of life. Maternal and child nutrition are critical determinants of a child’s growth and development. This article aimed to explore the impact, causes, and evidence-based strategies to accelerate the reduction of stunting incidence worldwide. This review was undertaken with sources from PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and MEDLINE from October 2024 to January 2025. This review was undertaken with sources from PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and MEDLINE from October 2024 to January 2025 using the keyword “Stunting”, “Causes of stunting”, “Stunting Impact”, “Stunting Intervention”, and “Stunting Prevention”. The findings highlight the multifactorial causes of stunting, including maternal malnutrition, inadequate breastfeeding and complementary feeding, poor sanitation, and socioeconomic factors. Stunting is associated with impaired linear growth, cognitive deficits, gut dysbiosis, endocrine disruption, anemia, and increased risk of chronic diseases later in life. Addressing stunting demands multisectoral strategies focusing on maternal and child nutrition, infection prevention, improved WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) practices, and socioeconomic support. The evidence presented may guide policy development and targeted interventions to prevent stunting and its long-term effects.
| Item Type: | Article (Journal) |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | alfi khatib is the first IIUM author |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | children; dysbiosis; growth failure; stunting; undernutrition |
| Subjects: | R Medicine > RB Pathology |
| Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button): | Kulliyyah of Pharmacy > Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry Kulliyyah of Pharmacy |
| Depositing User: | Dr. Alfi Khatib |
| Date Deposited: | 22 Oct 2025 15:45 |
| Last Modified: | 22 Oct 2025 15:45 |
| URI: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/123822 |
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