Abstract
In Indonesia, addressing the pressing issue of child stunting is imperative due to high prevalence rates. The underlying problem of micronutrient deficiencies calls for innovative solutions. In response, we developed micronutrient-enriched crackers (MEC), or 'sistik,' enriched with chicken liver and powdered eggshells, aiming to improve maternal micronutrient status and combat childhood stunting. Our study focused on assessing MEC's acceptance among Indonesian women. To achieve this, we conducted a trial in Bandung City, involving 81 participants, to evaluate MEC's acceptance compared to standard wheat crackers (SWC). Participants reported positive feedback on MEC, appreciating its colour, aroma, flavour, and texture. Furthermore, daily compliance with MEC was similar to that with SWC, indicating MEC's potential to enhance micronutrient consumption among adult women. Despite these promising results, our study recognizes limitations, including a modest sample size that may limit the broader applicability of our findings. This research highlights MEC's potential to increase micronutrient intake among women, providing insights for policymakers and healthcare stakeholders. It emphasizes the need for further investigation into MEC's long-term impacts and to include a broader range of participants to ensure the comprehensive relevance of the results.