Calcium intake of Filipinos still low – FNRI Survey

The latest nutrition survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) in 2008 noted that the calcium intakes of Filipinos are inadequate.

A nearly 90 percent of Filipino households is not meeting the average requirements for calcium. Thus, only one in every 10 Filipino households meets the average requirement for calcium. The consumption of Filipinos for milk and milk products decreased by seven grams, from 49 grams per capita per day in 2003 to 42 grams per capita per day in 2008.

The most important dietary sources of calcium are milk and milk products. Milk and milk products contain highly absorbable calcium and are also good sources of other vital nutritional elements including high quality protein for building and repairing of body tissues, and vitamin A for better eyesight and healthy skin. Dairy products are also rich in riboflavin for the normal functioning of the nervous system, cobalamin or vitamin B12 for maturation of red blood cells and even phosphorus for proper bones and teeth development.

Aside from milk and milk products, there are other sources of calcium like fish, especially the small ones eaten with bones like dilis and sardines, small shrimps or alamang, soy bean curd or tofu and tokwa, and green leafy vegetables like malunggay leaves, saluyot, alugbati and mustasa.

One should include milk and milk products and other calcium-rich foods like small fish and green leafy vegetables in the daily diet to meet the requirement for calcium. 

Non-milk drinkers may add milk to casseroles, cheese sauces, fruit shakes, dips, puddings, mashed potato, and halo-halo to get considerable benefits from milk as well.

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 –  MA. IDELIA G. GLORIOSO)