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Human breast milk is superior in the nourishment of healthy babies and in the treatment of premature babies and those with special medical conditions. However, when the mother is unable to provide breast milk due to a health condition or during disasters, donor human breast milk is the first alternative. This is why the Philippines has set up human milk banks for the storage and processing of breast milk donated by mothers based on Section 5 of RA 10028 or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009. There are a rising number of Human Milk Banks that are being established in the country. Location and contact details of existing milk banks in the Philippines can be found through this link: https://hmb.ph/milkBankLocation.php. Through these institutions, mothers can either donate or request for breast milk in times of disaster or when the mother is unable to produce breast milk. The following are the general guidelines for donating and requesting for breast milk:
Read more: How to Donate or Request Breast Milk from Human Milk Banks
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Did you know that you can actually save money if you avail of our health center’s FREE micronutrient powder for babies? The micronutrient powder (MNP) is a mixture of vitamins and minerals which is formulated in the powder form to contain more vitamins and minerals with less interaction with each other as compared to the common multivitamin syrup that one would usually buy, which only contains 4 - 5 vitamins. It is added to the complementary foods of babies starting at 6 months to boost its nutritional quality and to help support the increased nutrient needs of the baby especially for iron which is needed for optimal growth and development. The new MNP formulation also known as the VitaMix comes in 2 gram sachets which will already satisfy the baby’s daily micronutrient needs. Contrary to common belief about its aftertaste that deter mothers from using MNP, the new formulation is almost tasteless when used properly. Thus, here are some tips on how to properly use MNP to maximize its benefits and to reduce undesirable effects:
Read more: Ensuring your Baby's Nutrition while Saving Money with Micronutrient Powder
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Lactose intolerance is an example of an adverse food reaction that is not related to an abnormal immune system response. It is due to the deficiency of the enzyme lactase which breaks down lactose sugars in the digestive system. Without this enzyme, lactose builds up and causes digestive symptoms such as: bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. One of the nutritional implications of lactose intolerance is limited milk intake which may lead to lower dietary calcium and vitamin D intake which may contribute to the development of osteoporosis in the long term. Thus, here are some nutrition tips for individuals with lactose intolerance:
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Did you know that 9 out of 10 Filipino infants 6 - 23 months old were not receiving appropriate complementary feeding based on the minimum acceptable diet? Moreover, 8 out of 10 Filipino infants lack food diversity in their diet. The minimum acceptable diet and food diversity are measures of the amount, frequency and variety of food that the infant eats to satisfy their increased nutrient demands. When the diet is inadequate, it may lead to stunted growth and developmental delays in early childhood.
Complementary feeding starts at 6 months of age when the nutrients in breast milk starts to be inadequate in terms of iron and protein content that is needed for the baby’s rapid growth. At this stage, breastfeeding on demand is still recommended but with additional solid foods. The clues that the baby is ready to start solid foods are:
- Can raise their head independently;
- Can sit down with assistance;
- Have signs of chewing and swallowing capacity;
- Able to gain weight rapidly by 6 months;
- Interested in food (looks at food, tries to reach for food and puts them into their mouth)
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Peanut allergy is the top 7 most common food allergy among children in the Philippines. It is due to the body’s abnormal immune response against peanut proteins. Unlike other food allergies, peanut allergy tends to persist up to adulthood and allergic reactions are often severe and may vary with different episodes of eating peanuts even at very low amounts. Symptoms include:
- Skin: Rashes, Itching, Redness, Swelling
- Respiratory: Wheezing, Cough, Difficulty breathing, Throat tightness, Nasal congestion
- Digestive system: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal Pain
- Cardiovascular: Low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, possible heart failure
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19 July 2021, Davao City – The Regional Bantay Asin Task Force of Davao region convenes virtually for the 2nd RBATF XI meeting. The National Nutrition Council XI facilitated the conduct of the virtual meeting via Google meet.
The meeting agenda includes the presentation of results of the Food and Drug Administration XI’s Salt Collection for the year 2020 and 2021, the approved RNC Resolution No. 1 Series of 2021 “Organizing the Regional Bantay Asin Task Force in Davao Region”, and Regional Bantay Asin Task Force XI Plans and Activities for CY 2021 and 2022.
Ms. Loucene Caraoa, Food and Drug Regulation Officer II of FDA-RFO XI presented the results of FDA XI’s Salt Collection for CY 2020 and partial results of the salt samples collected for CY 2021. Based on the presented results out of 22 samples collected and submitted for laboratory testing in 2020, (15) salt samples passed and reached their specification for iodine content of salt which has a minimum of 30 mg/kg and (7) salt samples failed the Iodine Test. Meanwhile, as of this year out of 3 collected and tested samples, (2) salt samples passed and (1) failed, FDA XI’s salt sample collection is still on-going for this year. Ms. Caraoa indicated that FDA-RFO XI already took a regulatory action by issuing Report of Violation (ROV) to the concerned manufacturers/sources with failed results.
Read more: Regional Bantay Asin Task Force XI convenes virtually for its 2nd Meeting of the Year
