Micronutrient malnutrition still persists among the most vulnerable population groups; the infants, preschool children and pregnant and lactating women in the Philippines. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD), Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) and Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) remain serious public health concerns. Base on the 2019 Expanded National Nutrition Survey of DOST-FNRI, one in every 3 (34.3%) children under 2 suffers from anemia and the prevalence was considered as a moderate public health concern. One out of six or 15.5 percent of Filipino infants and children aged six months to five years had vitamin A deficiency (VAD). The FNRI survey also showed that 3 percent of pregnant women and 2.2 percent of lactating mothers had also vitamin D deficiency. VAD was more prevalent among households in the rural areas. In the iodine status, the data shows that pregnant women and lactating mothers had insufficient iodine intake. (DOST-FNRI ENNS 2019)
Chronic deficiency of vitamin A can lead to Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD). Vitamin A supports vision under conditions of poor lighting, integrity of all surface tissues (epithelia), healthy immune system, and it has a role in embryonic growth and development and reproduction. VAD may cause preventable blindness in children, impaired embryonic development, increased risk of morbidity and mortality from severe infections. Children with mild to moderate VAD are also more susceptible to getting respiratory infections and diarrhea compared to other children. Iodine deficiency on the other hand, occur when there is an insufficient iodine intake. Some foods such as tuna, seaweed, shrimp, and other seafood and iodized salt, naturally contain iodine. It is needed to make thyroid hormones which control body’s metabolism and many other important functions; and for proper bone and brain development of the fetus during pregnancy (NIH, 2021). IDD may have an irreversible effects during pregnancy and early infancy. It is known to cause goiter, growth retardation in the fetus, miscarriage and stillbirth, mental retardation, hypothyroidism, cretinism, increase morbidity and mortality of infants, and impair the cognitive development of children.
Moreover, a lack of iron contributes to iron deficiency anemia. Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, a type of protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body. Without enough iron, there aren't enough red blood cells to transport oxygen, which leads to fatigue. Other symptoms of anemia may include weakness, chest pain, fast heartbeat or shortness of breath, headache, inflammation of the tongue and poor appetite among children.
The government has several programs implemented to address micronutrient deficiencies among Filipinos. This includes Micronutrient Supplementation Program, provision of Micronutrient Powder (MNP) to 6 to 23-months-old infants and young children, Republic Act No. 8976, or the Philippine Fortification Act of 2000 and Salt Iodization Program. The promotion of balanced, diverse and healthy diet can also increase micronutrient intake and can also help address micronutrient deficiencies in the country. The DOST-FNRI Pinggang Pinoy for Healthy Filipinos can also serve as a quick and easy guide in determining how much to eat per meal. This promotes balanced and adequate per meal intake of grow, go, and glow foods. The provision of supplements can also be complemented with nutrition education which promotes the adoption of desirable food and eating practices and increase the level of awareness and knowledge about nutrition in the community.
ZDN DMO II Rowence F. Zorilla, RND
References:
1. Expanded National Nutrition Survey 2019
http://enutrition.fnri.dost.gov.ph/site/uploads/2018-2019%20ENNS%20Results%20Dissemination_Nutritional%20Status%20and%20Feeding%20Practices%20of%20Children%20Under%202.pdf
2. 2019 Expanded National Nutrition Survey Online Dissemination Forum
http://enutrition.fnri.dost.gov.ph/site/uploads/2019%20ENNS%20Dissemination%20-%20Vitamin%20A.pdf
3. DOST-FNRI: 1 out of 6 Pinoy kids ‘most affected' by vitamin A deficiency
https://mb.com.ph/2021/11/03/dost-fnri-1-out-of-6-pinoy-kids-most-affected-by-vitamin-a-deficiency/
4. Micronutrient deficiency and its alleviation: The Philippine experience
Corazon VC Barba PhD and Emerita A Feliciano
