Work

High-whey protein biscuits increase Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) levels and linear growth of stunted children

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background Deficiencies in essential amino acids 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 is 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 conducted on 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, resulting in a total protein content of 12 g. The intervention was administered in 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 There was a significant difference in the increase in height and IGF-1 levels of 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 both the two groups before and after the intervention. Conclusion The administration of high-whey protein biscuits has been demonstrated to result in an increase in mean height by 1.77 cm and a rise in median IGF-1 levels by 18.84 ng/mL.

Source: Applied Food Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.afres.2026.101808