Nina Resti, Ahmad Syauqy, Gemala Anjani, Irwandi Jaswir, Diana Nur Afifah
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of high-protein products on serum albumin levels for preventing stunting in children, by combining evidence from multiple eligible studies to provide a more precise estimate of the intervention’s impact. Data Sources: A comprehensive search was carried out in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Semantic Scholar, covering publications between 2015 and 2024. Methods: The review followed PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses, using Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4 software. Study selection was guided by the PICOTS framework (participants, intervention, comparison, outcomes, timing, and study design). Eligible studies included clinical trials assessing the effects of high-protein products on serum albumin levels in children with stunting. Results: Meta-analysis using RevMan 5.4 showed considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 92%, χ2 = 59.29, p < 0.01). The intervention demonstrated a positive trend toward improving serum albumin levels in stunted children, although the overall effect was not statistically significant. Funnel plot analysis indicated no significant publication bias, suggesting that the results of the included studies are reasonably reliable, although potential limitations should still be considered. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that adequate protein supplementation improves serum albumin levels and plays an important role in supporting growth and preventing stunting. © (2025), (Mattioli 1885). All rights reserved.
Doctoral Study Program of Medical and Health Sciences, Universitas Diponegoro, Central Java, Semarang, Indonesia; Department of Nutrition Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Diponegoro, Jl. Prof. Sudarto, Tembalang, Central Java, Semarang, Indonesia; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia; International Institute for Halal Research and Training, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Laboratory of Sustainable Diets and Biodiversity, Center of Research and Service, Diponegoro University (CORES-DU), Integrated Laboratory, Universitas Diponegoro, Central Java, Semarang, Indonesia
