Only 3 in 10 households meet the needed energy from food

The food consumption survey (FCS) conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) in 2008 showed that only 33.1 percent or 3 in every 10 Filipino households meet the recommended energy intake, and less than 20 percent meet the estimated average requirement (EAR) for iron, calcium and riboflavin.

The survey revealed that in 2008, the daily individual food intake was 861 grams, lower than the 886 grams in 2003 and in the first FCS in 1978 which was 897 grams.

In terms of caloric intake, the individual total food consumption decreased to 1867 kilocalories in 2008 from 1905 kilocalories in 2003.

Likewise, the proportion of households meeting energy adequacy in 2008 decreased compared to 2003.

Moreover, the trend showed that over the years, food intake has been lower in quantity but more calorie-dense.

Rice is the most commonly-consumed food, followed by sugar, coconut oil, coarse salt, instant coffee, garlic, onion, chicken eggs, breads including pandesal, soy sauce and tomato.

A significant increase in per capita consumption among household of rice and rice products from 303 grams in 2003 to 317 grams in 2008 was observed.

This increase in rice consumption is in contrast with the other energy-giving foods like sugar and syrups, and fats and oils which have significant decreases.

For body-building foods, there were observed increases from 2003 to 2008 in the consumption of eggs, fish and products, and poultry, while consumption of meat and products, milk and its products, as well as dried beans, nuts and seeds decreased, although, not statistically significant. 

For the regulating foods, individual vegetable consumption of 111 grams in 2003 slightly decreased to 110 grams in 2008, while fruit intake remained unchanged.

Bulk of the energy, protein and iron intakes come from cereals and cereal products where rice belonged, while intake of vitamin A comes mainly from fish, meat and poultry.

The FCS is a component of the 7^th National Nutrition Survey conducted every five years to assess the current intake and nutritional status of Filipinos and analyze the trends over the years.

The survey showed that 66.9 percent of households are energy deficient in 2008.

Tracking down the Philippines' achievement of the first Millennium Development Goal (MDG) which is to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, means that to reduce by half the proportion of households who are energy deficient in 1993 with 74.2 percent to 34.1 percent in 2015 would mean a 5 percentage point reduction per year starting in 2008.

The challenge is to ensure food security in the household especially during this time when the prices and supply of the most commonly-consumed foods of Filipinos are fluctuating.

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. (FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service: Press Release – CHARINA A. JAVIER)