In a nationwide survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) in 2008, only 3 out of 10 households met the recommended energy intake, while about 5-6 out of 10 households met the estimated average requirement for protein which is 80 percent of the recommendation.
The Filipino diet consists mainly of rice-fish-vegetables, where cereals and cereal products make up the main bulk of food at 42 percent of the total intake. Fish and vegetables contributed about 13 percent each. Rice, which is cereal and cereal products, is the main contributor of energy, protein and iron in the diet of Filipino households.
The nutritional adequacy of a diet can be roughly evaluated from its caloric and protein content when compared with the Recommended Energy and Nutrient Intake (RENI).
Dietary energy is an indicator of quantity since it is derived from carbohydrates, protein and fats which are all important.
Protein from animal sources is an indicator of quality because aside from its function as building blocks for body tissues, enzymes and hormones, animal protein foods are also a source of vitamins and minerals.
Lack of carbohydrates in the diet would result to low weight, weakness and poor physical performance. Protein, aside from being used as building blocks, repairs worn-out tissues. Fats are the concentrated form of energy and serve as carriers of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.
There is a need to decrease the proportion of households who are energy and protein deficient.
Rich sources of energy, aside from cereals and cereal products, are sugars and syrups like preserves, jams and jellies and starchy roots and tubers like camote, gabi, cassava and potatoes.
Protein from animal sources are meat, chicken, milk and milk products, while protein from plant sources are dried beans, monggo, tokwa and nuts. Information on the rich on the rich sources of nutrients will help Filipinos fight against malnutrition.
For more information on food and nutrition, contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Tel/Fax Num: 8372934 and 8373164; email: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph. Ma. Adrienne S. Constantino, FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service
