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

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.