February 14-20 was the designated observance of National Mental Retardation Week by The Philippine Department of Health (DOH). The objective is to raise awareness for those who have intellectual disabilities as a spectrum of illnesses that requires careful attention. 

Mental Retardation (MR) also known as Intellectual Disability (ID) is defined as a sub-average intellectual ability present from birth or early infancy. It is a term when a person has certain limitations in cognitive functioning skills, including communication, social and self-care skills. These limitations can cause a child to develop and learn more slowly or differently than a typical child behavior. This triggers them to have a hard time doing certain things and have an intelligence below average. 

The exact cause of MR remains unclear. However, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐IV‐TR) states that it could have biological or sociological triggers. Complications during pregnancies, consuming alcohol, smoking, malnutrition and any health-related bad habits can cause a baby to have intellectual disability. Another risk factor of MR is iodine deficiency during pregnancy. Iodine deficiency is especially important in women who are pregnant or nursing their infants. Children of mothers with severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy can have intellectual disabilities and problems with growth. Lastly is the environmental exposure of the child which can be highly influenced on the psychological and sociological nature of a child.

Hence, prioritizing proper nutrition through balanced diet should be one of the cornerstones in ensuring cognitive development, especially during the first 1000 days of life. -Khayla Mae Urata