Integer and Goal Programming Techniques for Highlighting Nutritional Menu in Malaysian Teenagers with Chinese Herbal Food

Saw Xin Zu, Suliadi Firdaus Sufahani, M.G. Kamardan and Kamil Khalid
Additional contact information
Saw Xin Zu: Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Pagoh Campus, 84600 Pagoh, Johor, Malaysia
Suliadi Firdaus Sufahani: Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Pagoh Campus, 84600 Pagoh, Johor, Malaysia
M.G. Kamardan: Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Pagoh Campus, 84600 Pagoh, Johor, Malaysia
Kamil Khalid: Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Pagoh Campus, 84600 Pagoh, Johor, Malaysia

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2025, vol. 9, issue 6, 3125-3138

Abstract: In Malaysia, the rise in noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) disease among teenagers highlights the urgent need for improved dietary planning. Frequent consumption of fast foods and sugary beverages, such as milk tea, which put them at a higher risk of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease among this age group. Integrating Chinese herbal foods and supplements into their diet, drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), provides a potential strategy to enhance teenager’s overall health and prevent diseases. This study aimed to design a five-day menu for Malaysian teenagers aged 20 to 29, divided into males (20-24) and females (25-29). It focused on determining daily nutrient requirements and identifying the most cost-effective meal options that meet these nutritional needs. Integer Programming and Goal Programming optimization techniques were applied to the menu planning process, with analyses conducted using LPSolve IDE and LINGO software. The Integer Programming model produced menus that fulfil the nutritional requirements at an average daily cost of RM 17.40 for Case 1, and RM 18.70 for Case 2, comprising four meals per day. While Goal Programming provided a near optimal solution, it was found to be less suitable for menu planning. This study explores the potential application of the proposed menu in daily life, workplaces, and hospitals, while highlighting it limitations, such as the lack of consideration for food allergies, the narrow focus on a specific age group, and constraints associated with the LINGO software.

Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/ ... ssue-6/3125-3138.pdf (application/pdf)
https://rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/arti ... chinese-herbal-food/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-6:p:3125-3138

Access Statistics for this article

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science is currently edited by Dr. Nidhi Malhan

More articles in International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science from International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS)
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Dr. Pawan Verma ().