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Kidney failure scare prompts parents to watch children's diet
A recent viral post alleging a rise in cases of kidney disease among children has prompted public concern, leading some parents to rethink their approach to buying packaged foods and drinks for their children.
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Consumers are advised to check ingredient and nutrition labels on packaged foods, including organic products, to avoid falling into the trap of processed foods marketed as “healthy”, and to focus on eating a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. (Shutterstock/File)
M
ore parents are showing increased awareness about and interest in the dangers of harmful foods and drinks following viral posts earlier this week alleging that cases of kidney disease were rising among children across the country.
The posts, which featured photographs of children receiving dialysis treatment at Cipto Mangunkusumo Central General Hospital (RSCM) in Central Jakarta, incited public concern about the unhealthy diets and lifestyles among Indonesian children.
Ella, a 53-year-old mother of three who lives in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta, said she was now double-checking what she bought for her kids to eat at home.
“As a parent, naturally I feared that my children might have the same experience as the kids at RSCM,” Ella said on Tuesday, adding that her 14-year-old daughter Zia had been hospitalized previously for a diagnosed intestinal issue due to unhealthy eating habits.
Read also: Optimizing diabetes care for Indonesian children
She subsequently started to check the ingredient label on packages of snacks and soft drinks, and found that the majority seemed to have minimal nutritional benefits and contained high levels of potentially harmful ingredients like artificial flavor, added sugar and trans fat.
“When I looked at [the labels on] some processed foods and drinks, they contained a high level of sugar,” remarked Ella. “Even packaged milk, which I always bought for my kids when they were still young.”
