Ninety-nine percent of calcium is located in the skeleton for bone structure and strength, while one percent is found in the soft tissues, extracellular fluid and plasma for metabolic and regulatory roles.
Specifically, calcium is consumed for the construction, formation and maintenance of bones and teeth, blood clotting and wound healing, muscle contraction, maintenance of cells and connective tissues, blood pressure control and nerve transmission, among others.
According to the Recommended Energy and Nutrient Intakes (RENI) developed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) in 2002, calcium requirement differs according to population groups and sex.
The male and female adults 19 – 64 years old need 750 milligrams (mg) per day of calcium, while those 65 years old and over need 800mg/day.
The Philippines has relatively lower recommendation values for calcium than the United States, Australia and other Southeast Asian countries.
Dried dilis, canned fish, sardines, some green vegetables and legumes, seeds and nuts, snails and mollusks are the richest sources of calcium in the diet, while milk, yogurt and cheddar cheese have the highest absorbable calcium.
Dr. Rodolfo F. Florentino, Chairman-President of the Nutrition Foundation of the Philippines (NFP) discussed the results of the FNRI’s 7th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), particularly the calcium intake of Filipinos at the 12th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Osteoporosis Society of the Philippines Foundation, Inc on October 22, 2010.
The survey assessed the current food consumption situation and energy and nutrient intake of Filipino households and determined the current food and nutrient intakes of Filipinos across population groups.
Results of the household food consumption survey showed that mean one-day per capita calcium intake is at 42.3 percent (%) of the RENI – showing calcium as the least- consumed nutrient in the Filipino diet.
There was a drop in the proportion of households meeting the RENI for calcium from 16.0% in 2003 to 11.5% in 2008.
“According to the result of the 7th NNS, the six to twelve year-old children had the lowest consumption of calcium according to population groups, with 0.26 grams per day,” Dr. Florentino said.
Pregnant women had the highest mean one-day calcium consumption among population groups.
In general, the estimated average recommendation for calcium was not met and registered very low proportions across population groups at around 9.8%.
Fish was shown to be the primary source of calcium in the Filipino diet, followed by rice and cereals, vegetables and milk and milk products.
Dr. Florentino also pointed out that milk intake, as an excellent source of dietary calcium, was poor except in infants.
Calcium intake can be increased through increased consumption of fish and milk in the diet, as well as promoting cheaper sources of calcium.
Promotion of adequate calcium intake throughout the lifespan is strongly encouraged to meet the recommended intakes especially in infants after six months.
Everyone must take part in improving the calcium intake, particularly during the growing years to avoid calcium deficiency-related diseases such as osteoporosis.
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 – JUND RIAN A. DORINGO)
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