Stunting is a chronic nutritional problem that affects children's physical growth and cognitive development due to long-term inadequate nutrient intake. The development of functional foods based on local ingredients is one strategy to prevent stunting. Moringa leaves (Moringa oleifera) are rich in essential micronutrients such as iron, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C, as well as bioactive compounds that can enhance the nutritional value of food products. This study aims to evaluate the role of moringa leaf fortification in processed meat products in improving nutritional content and its potential in stunting prevention. The method used was a literature review of scientific articles published within the last 5–10 years. The results indicate that the addition of moringa leaves to processed meat products, such as nuggets and sausages, has been shown to increase micronutrient content without significantly reducing sensory quality at certain concentrations. The combination of animal protein and micronutrients from moringa leaves has the potential to support optimal child growth. Therefore, moringa leaf fortification in processed meat products can serve as an alternative functional food innovation for stunting prevention, although further studies are still required to optimize formulation and its application at the industrial scale. Stunting is a chronic nutritional problem that affects children's physical growth and cognitive development due to long-term inadequate nutrient intake. The development of functional foods based on local ingredients is one strategy to prevent stunting. Moringa leaves (Moringa oleifera) are rich in essential micronutrients such as iron, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C, as well as bioactive compounds that can enhance the nutritional value of food products. This study aims to evaluate the role of moringa leaf fortification in processed meat products in improving nutritional content and its potential in stunting prevention. The method used was a literature review of scientific articles published within the last 5–10 years. The results indicate that the addition of moringa leaves to processed meat products, such as nuggets and sausages, has been shown to increase micronutrient content without significantly reducing sensory quality at certain concentrations. The combination of animal protein and micronutrients from moringa leaves has the potential to support optimal child growth. Therefore, moringa leaf fortification in processed meat products can serve as an alternative functional food innovation for stunting prevention, although further studies are still required to optimize formulation and its application at the industrial scale.
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