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Laos Seeks to Combat Highest Stunting Rate in Southeast Asia with Japanese Rice Drink
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A novel, low-cost intervention utilizing amazake, a fermented rice beverage, is being explored to address widespread malnutrition and stunting among children in Laos.
Laos is facing a critical public health challenge, currently holding the highest rate of stunting in Southeast Asia. Approximately one-third of all children in the country are affected, a figure representing 32.8% of those under five years of age as of 2023, according to data from the World Bank. This significantly surpasses the prevalence in neighboring Myanmar, which stands at 26.7%.
The Crisis of Childhood Malnutrition in Laos
Stunting, as defined by UNICEF, is not simply a measure of physical growth, but encompasses cognitive advancement as well, resulting from chronic or recurrent malnutrition. the issue is notably acute in poorer, mountainous regions of Laos, where dietary diversity is severely limited.
“Laos has a very high rate of malnutrition, which has resulted in many of our children suffering from stunting, which has many lifelong effects on their personal and professional lives,” stated a senior official at the recent Fi Asia 2025 show in Bangkok, Thailand.
Research indicates that Laotian children’s diets are overwhelmingly reliant on rice, with insufficient intake of essential proteins like meat and eggs, as well as vital vitamins and minerals found in beans, vegetables, and fruits. This nutritional gap is often filled with inexpensive, readily available junk food, candy, and sugary drinks, despite a lack of parental awareness regarding proper nutrition.
amazake: A Potential Solution from Japan
Researchers are now turning to an unexpected source for a solution: amazake, a traditional Japanese non-alcoholic drink made from fermented rice. Rich in vitamin B, oligosaccharides, kojic acid, amino acids, and fiber, amazake offers a concentrated source of nutrients.
The appeal of amazake lies not only in its nutritional profile but also in its potential affordability. When produced locally in Laos, it is indeed estimated that a daily serving could cost less than US$1, making it a scalable and accessible intervention.
“As children are already eating rice daily anyway, we believe that fortified rice is the best option to help them improve their nutrition,” one analyst explained. Previous attempts at rice fortification have been hampered by high costs, but locally sourced amazake could circumvent this obstacle.
From Fermentation to Fortification
The proposed strategy involves integrating amazake into daily diets either through direct consumption as a beverage or by incorporating it into rice-based meals. Experts believe this approach could significantly reduce stunting rates.
“Researchers now believe that amazake, a traditional Japanese fermented rice product, could be the answer for Laos as it is high in vitamin B, oligosaccharides, kojic acid, amino acids and fibre,” a source confirmed. Laos’ abundant rice supply ensures a readily available base for amazake production, eliminating the need for costly imported fortified foods.
the success of this initiative hinges on widespread adoption and consistent implementation. While the potential is meaningful,sustained investment and community engagement will be crucial to overcome the
