On Saturday, October 18, 2025, the Nutrition Family Association (AKG) of the Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health (FPH), Universitas Indonesia (UI), held an event that brought together academics, practitioners, students, and the general public in The 10th International Seminar on Nutrition (ISON). The seminar, conducted online under the theme “Unlocking The Power of Protein for a Healthier Future,” explored the central role of protein in human life—from addressing global nutrition challenges to discussing popular dietary strategies.
The first speaker, Dr. Satvinder Kaur Nachatar Singh, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Malaysia, presented a session titled “Protein Timing: Does It Really Matter for Active Lifestyle?” She introduced the concept of Chrononutrition—the study of how meal timing interacts with the body’s circadian rhythm (biological clock). Dr. Satvinder explained three main points: circadian rhythm, protein timing for muscle health, and practical implementation strategies. She emphasized that the timing of protein consumption is just as important as the amount consumed. “Every organ, including muscles, has its own biological clock. Muscles are more efficient at absorbing amino acids and building tissue in the morning. Consuming protein early in the day helps optimize muscle protein synthesis, which is essential for active individuals, especially the elderly, to prevent sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass),” explained Dr. Satvinder. She also advised evenly distributing protein intake across breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and consuming protein around exercise sessions for optimal results.
The second speaker, Kristen Marie Hurley, Ph.D., M.P.H., Associate Professor at the Program for Human Nutrition, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, discussed one of the most serious nutritional issues—Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM). PEM, caused by a lack of both protein and calories and often accompanied by micronutrient deficiencies, poses a major health threat to children. It manifests in various forms, including stunting (chronic malnutrition), wasting (acute malnutrition), and severe cases such as marasmus and kwashiorkor (Severe Acute Malnutrition/SAM).
“Severe malnutrition still contributes significantly to mortality, especially within the first one to two days of hospital admission. While SAM cases often require intensive hospital care to treat hypoglycemia, hypothermia, and infections, most cases can actually be managed at the community level through appropriate complementary feeding education, vaccination, and the use of ready-to-use therapeutic foods,” explained Dr. Hurley.
The third speaker, Esti Nurwanti, S.Gz., RD., M.P.H., Ph.D., CEO of PT Inovasi Gizi Nusantara and member of The Transform Health Indonesia Coalition, presented “Tailoring Protein Intake: Does Keto and Other Protein-Based Diets Actually Change the Game?” She discussed the increasingly popular Ketogenic (Keto) diet, which emphasizes high fat, moderate protein, and very low carbohydrate intake. The diet works through three mechanisms: ketosis (forcing the body to use fat and ketones as main fuel sources), spontaneous calorie reduction (as ketones and fats naturally suppress hunger hormones), and improved body composition (reducing fat mass while maintaining muscle).
However, Dr. Esti cautioned against excessive protein intake in Keto diets. “Protein should remain moderate, about 10–20% of total calories. Too much protein can be counterproductive, as it can be converted back into glucose, disrupting ketosis and compromising the diet’s effectiveness,” she explained.
The fourth speaker, Prof. Ir. Ahmad Syafiq, M.Sc., Ph.D., Professor of Nutrition at FPH UI, presented “Protein Update: Reconsidering Recent Findings.” He emphasized a shift in focus from total daily protein intake to its quality, distribution, and timing per meal. “To maximize the benefits of protein, intake should be evenly distributed across meals. Experts recommend about 0.24 to 0.40 g/kg of body weight per meal. Combining higher daily targets with high-quality protein sources—such as dairy or carefully matched plant-based alternatives—can significantly improve dietary adherence and relevant clinical outcomes,” stated Prof. Syafiq.
Dr. Laila Fitria, S.K.M., M.K.M., Education Manager at FPH UI, expressed her hope that this event would serve as a platform for exchanging ideas and experiences among academics, lecturers, students, and participants. “We hope today’s discussions inspire greater productivity and public health improvements, especially in understanding the essential role of protein in the human body,” said Dr. Laila.
Meanwhile, dr. Fathimah Sulistyowati Sigit, M.Res., Ph.D., Head of the Department of Nutrition, FPH UI, conveyed her appreciation for the event’s organization. “We hope this discussion provides meaningful inspiration to enhance both productivity and community health,” she remarked.
The 10th International Seminar on Nutrition was part of the annual Nutrition Expo UI series. In 2025, in collaboration with LPP IAKMI MIRACLE, the seminar reaffirmed that protein lies at the core of health and that its utilization strategies must be tailored to individual needs. Accurate nutritional knowledge remains the key to a healthier life—underscoring the importance of continuous educational efforts for the public. (ITM)