The effect of fish protein hydrolysate from Kryptopterus lais on nutritional status in stunting animal models

Stunting, a chronic malnutrition, was associated with protein deficiency. To align with UN SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health), breakthrough strategies must empower functional foods to deliver precision nutrition and combat micronutrient deficiencies among vulnerable populations. Fish protein hydrolysate (FPH) from Kryptopterus lais contains bioactive peptides that may enhance protein metabolism, which is required for growth, tissue repair, and the synthesis of vital biochemical compounds. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of FPH supplementation on body weight, albumin, and total protein levels in stunted Rattus norvegicus models. A true experimental design was conducted using 30 animal models, which were randomly allocated to five treatment groups receiving different doses of FPH (18–72 mg/kg BW) daily by oral gavage. The research findings: All FPH supplementation doses (18, 36, and 72 mg/kg BW) effectively promoted weight recovery (p < 0.001). The FPH supplementation significantly increased albumin and total protein levels compared to the control groups. The highest dose (S3 group) resulted in the most significant improvement in total protein levels. The highest albumin levels resulted in the S2 group. FPH effectively enhances protein status in stunted models, suggesting its potential as a new functional food nutritional solution for malnutrition management. Further research is needed to explore its clinical application.