Abstract
Nutrition is an integral part of economic development, since it influences workers’ health and productivity. This study evaluated the usual nutrient intakes and food sources of working adults. We conducted a cross-sectional survey that involved 1264 selected working adults aged 19 to 59 years old from randomly selected job sectors. Quantitative dietary data was collected by a 2-day, non-consecutive 24 h recall, while a dietary diversity questionnaire was used to assess the types and frequency of foods consumed. Physical activity was measured using the World Health Organization global physical assessment questionnaire. The prevalence of inadequate intakes, defined as the percentage of adults with intakes less than the estimated average requirements (EAR) or acceptable macronutrient distribution ranges (AMDR) were estimated using the PC—Software for Intake Distribution Estimation (PC-SIDE) program. The mean daily energy intake of working adults was 1768 kcal/day or 74% of the Estimated Energy Requirements (EER) for this age group. The percentage contribution to the total energy of fats (58%) and proteins (34%) were excessively high. Consumption of fruits and vegetables was only 30% and 40% of the recommended nutrient intake, respectively. Salt intake was 52% above the adequate intake. Nutrient inadequacy was high in almost all nutrients, including iron (99%), folate (97.9%), riboflavin (95.8%), calcium (94.7%), vitamin C (87.3%), and thiamin (76.6%). The top five food sources of energy included rice (35.6%), pork (15.1%), fats and oils (4.7%), chicken (4.4%), and bread (3.8%). Energy and nutrient intakes of working adults is extremely sub-optimal due to the consumption of few nutrient-dense foods. This may pose a triple burden of malnutrition if left unsolved.
Highlights
IntroductionThe World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized that one of the basic human rights is freedom from hunger and malnutrition, which are prerequisites for human and national development [1]
Nutrition is a fundamental right in nation-building
This study evaluated the usual nutrient intakes and food sources of working adults in the Philippines, where the employment rate of those who are 15 years old and over is about 94.3%
Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized that one of the basic human rights is freedom from hunger and malnutrition, which are prerequisites for human and national development [1]. This challenge is posed for every developing nation to provide optimum nutrition to its workers who are considered the lifeblood of the economy, since nutrition influences workers’ health and productivity [2]. Preliminary data published by the World Economic Forum in 2011 estimated that economic output loss from NCDs, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and COPD may amount to US $47 trillion in two decades [5]. Other research has pointed out hindrances to the productivity
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
