Micronutrient deficiency and its alleviation: The Philippine experience

Abstract

Results of the 1998 Fifth National Nutrition Survey (NNS) of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI‐DOST) revealed that the country has persisting micronutrient deficiencies of vitamin A, iron and iodine along with protein−energy malnutrition (PEM) and an increasing number of cases of android obesity. An interplay of various physiological, socioeconomic and political factors performs a role in the nutrition situation of the country. The Medium‐Term Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (MTPPAN) is a product of multisectoral and multidisciplinary efforts for nutrition adequacy for all Filipinos. It gives priority attention to persisting and emerging nutritional problems through timely and focused strategies. Long‐term programmes to address food insecurity through food‐based interventions for alleviating PEM and micronutrient deficiencies will be strengthened. Thus, the successor MTPPAN 1999−2004 still implements similar programmes and strategies proven to be effective but they must be fully implemented with more vigor and aggressiveness. The FNRI, as the principal arm of the government as regards food and nutrition, not only conducts national nutrition surveys but also efforts in food fortification research and development as an integral component of the food fortification programme of the MTPPAN. This food‐based strategy aims to develop technologies for fortification of commonly consumed food items to increase nutrient availability and consequently increase nutrient intake of the Filipinos.