The "suku-suku separuh" concept, which promotes a balanced plate consisting of proteins, vegetables and fruits, is a key framework aimed at improving nutrient intake to manage anemia.
According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019, a staggering 95 per cent of Malaysians are not consuming the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, with only five per cent meeting this guideline.
Universiti Malaya Faculty of Medicine, Paediatric Endocrinologist, Professor and Senior Consultant, Professor Dr Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin highlighted the importance of understanding and applying the "suku-suku separuh" model to ensure optimal nutrient intake, particularly iron, which plays a crucial role in childhood development.
"I always try to simplify it for parents. If we look at our recommended nutrient intake and the '"suku suku separuh" plate, one of the portions should be protein.
"When you talk about protein, just think of your palm size. That amount of meat, chicken, or fish should provide a good source of iron. But for proper iron absorption, you need the other quarter of the plate filled with fruits or vegetables that are high in vitamin C, which triples the absorption of iron," he said during an expert panel discussion by Danone, focused on childhood anemia.
Following last year's alarming findings from the Iron Strong Study, which indicated that one in three Malaysian children are at risk of anemia, with iron deficiency being the primary cause, the situation has become even more concerning.
Many affected children may not exhibit any visible symptoms, resulting in a silent health crisis that jeopardises their well-being and future.
Dr Yazid also pointed out that while Malaysians consume protein sources like chicken and meat, they often miss out on pairing these meals with fruits or vegetables, which are essential for better iron absorption.
"In Western cuisine, they usually pair steak with strawberries or tomatoes. Here, in Malaysia, we often skip that and as a result, our iron absorption is not as efficient," he added.
On the topic of vegetarian children, Universiti Sains Malaysia School of Health Sciences, Nutrition Programme Professor Dr Hamid Jan discussed the challenges of ensuring adequate iron intake.
He added that vegetarian children rely on non-heme iron from plant-based sources, which is harder to absorb compared to heme iron from animal products.
"Non-heme iron, found in beans and vegetables like spinach, needs vitamin C to improve absorption. It competes with other metals like zinc and copper, making it less efficiently absorbed in the gut.
"Vitamin C enhances this process, so it's vital for vegetarian children to consume sufficient vitamin C alongside their iron-rich foods," he said.
He also cautioned against consuming tea or coffee with meals, as they can inhibit iron absorption.
"If you’re enjoying a steak with a glass of iced tea, you’re basically cancelling out the iron benefits. It's better to wait at least two hours or pair the meal with orange juice," he added.
For adults, Dr Hamid highlighted that without sufficient fruits and vegetables, it becomes difficult to obtain the necessary vitamin C, which is essential for improving iron absorption in both children and adults.
He further explained that only four to 12 per cent of iron consumed is successfully absorbed by the body, but this rate can be enhanced with adequate vitamin C intake.
Dr Hamid also reminded that by following the "suku-suku separuh" model, people are already on the right track.
He said if children and adults maintain a balanced diet, it can be assumed they are in a normal state of health without the need for supplements.