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

Background: Essential amino acids deficiencies 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 was 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 was conducted among 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, providing in a total protein content of 12 g. The intervention was administered for 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: Significant increase in height and IGF-1 levels were observed in both 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 either two groups before and after the intervention. Conclusion: The administration of high-whey protein biscuits resulted in a mean height increase of 1.77 cm and a median IGF-1 increase of 18.84 ng/mL.