Biomarker of Malnutrition in Terms of Total Salivary Protein in Stunting Children (Literature Review)

Abstract

The prevalence of children under five (or Balita) with stunting in Indonesia is relatively high, it is 29.6% above the limit set by WHO (20%). Stunting is a condition where children fail to grow due to long-term malnutrition. Parents regrettably often underestimate such conditions. In case it is not detected prior to 24 months old, the consequences will be permanent. Oftentimes, malnutrition is detected at a later time, make it occurs even more frequently. Malnutrition affects general and oral health. In malnourished children, salivary gland hypofunction ensues which cause a decrease in flow rate, buffer capacity, and salivary secretion, both in quantity and composition, especially protein. The condition where increased severity of malnutrition followed by a decrease in salivary protein concentration is expected to be a biomarker of malnutrition. The purpose of this study is to analyze the potential of total salivary protein as a malnutrition biomarker.