Philippines Case Study

This study evaluated usual energy and nutrient intakes and food sources of school-aged children in the Philippines. Data were from the 2013 National Nutrition Survey. A total of 6565 children 6-12 years old from all sampled 8,592 households were interviewed for first day 24-hour dietary recall. A second day recall was obtained from a random subsample, 50% of the children.

Usual energy and nutrient intakes were estimated using the PC-SIDE program. Energy inadequacy was compared with Estimated Energy Requirements considering an active physical activity. Macronutrient was evaluated using the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges. Micronutrient inadequacy was computed using the EAR cut-point method.

Mean energy intake of all children was 24.6% below the EER. High prevalence of nutrient inadequacy was found: protein 16%, thiamine 55%, riboflavin 67%, vitamin C 81%, vitamin A 63%, vitamin B₆ 30%, vitamin B₁₂ 9%, folate 70%, calcium 93%, phosphorous 48%, iron 87%, and zinc 38%. The major food source of energy (52.7%), carbohydrate (67.4%), and protein (35.2%) was rice. Rice also contributed large amount of phosphorous, calcium, thiamine, riboflavin and iron.

This study demonstrated that intakes of many micronutrients of Filipino school-aged children were markedly inadequate. Food source of energy and nutrients come primarily from rice.