The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology has developed the Pinggang Pinoy for teens.

The guide for teens shows the recommendations targeting the nutritional needs of adolescents, 13 to 18 years old.

During adolescence, there is rapid growth in height and weight due to the simultaneous release of hormones needed to transition into adulthood.

According to the 2015 Philippine Dietary Reference Intakes, adolescents have the highest recommended nutrient intakes per day for energy and protein.

An average of 2,800 calories for male and 2,200 calories for female is needed to meet the recommended energy intake per day. While 68 grams for male and 59 grams for female is needed to meet the recommended protein intake per day.

Proper nutrition is required to support the special needs of the adolescents especially during these growth spurt, reproduction-related changes, and brain and cognitive development. 

Related to this, the 2015 National Nutrition Survey by the FNRI-DOST showed that among teens, about one in 10 was thin based on body mass index-for-age.

The Pinggang Pinoy will help teenagers and parents in choosing healthy and nutritious foods.

On a national scale, the Pinggang Pinoy is helpful in combating the double burden of malnutrition.

With its simple and understandable design, the Pinggang Pinoy for teens features the Go, Grow, and Glow food groups much needed by the teen body for energy, growth, and bodily processes. 

Sufficient intake of water and regular physical activity are also included in the guide.

The Pinggang Pinoy brochure for Filipino teens is readily available at the FNRI library. It can also be downloaded from the FNRI website: fnri.dost.gov.ph.

The FNRI-DOST is dedicated in helping ensure a healthy and well-nourished Filipino population by providing the most relevant and practical nutrition recommendations.--FNRI Press Release--