Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos revised

By Salvador R. Serrano

FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service

Organized by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), an inter-agency and multi-disciplinary technical working group revised the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF) in 2012.

Last updated in 2000, the new NGF was approved by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Governing Board through Resolution Number 6, Series of 2012 during its October 31, 2012 meeting.

The revision was in response to the changes in the nutrition situation of the country, as reported by the FNRI’s 2008 and 2011 survey results, and in lieu of new nutrition information and related interventions to address malnutrition, the NNC recently stated in its website.

The 2012 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos includes the following messages:

1.       Eat a variety of foods everyday to get the nutrients needed by the body.

2.     Breastfeed infants exclusively from birth up to six months, then give appropriate complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding for two years and beyond for optimum growth and development.

3.     Attain normal body weight through proper diet and moderate physical activity to maintain good health and prevent obesity.

4.     Consume fish, lean meat, poultry, egg, dried beans or nuts daily for growth and repair of body tissues.

5.     Eat more vegetables and fruits everyday to get the essential vitamins, minerals and fiber for regulation of body processes.

6.     Limit intake of salty, fried, fatty and sugar-rich foods to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

7.     Consume milk, milk products, and other calcium-rich foods, such as small fish and shellfish, everyday for healthy bones and teeth.

8.     Use iodized salt to prevent Iodine Deficiency Disorders.

9.     Consume safe foods and water to prevent diarrhea and other food- and water-borne diseases.

10.  Be physically active, make healthy food choices, manage stress, avoid alcoholic beverages and do not smoke to help prevent lifestyle-related non-communicable diseases.

Resembling the 2000 NGF, the 2012 version also has ten messages but now infuses the nutritional and health justification for each.

The reformulated guidelines as a whole aims to improve the nutritional status that enhances productivity and quality of life of the population, by following desirable dietary practices and healthy lifestyle, the NNC further said in its website.

In addition, the NGF endeavors in protecting and promoting the nutrition of Filipinos by providing a solid foundation and starting point for nutrition workers in developing information, education and communication materials and in conducting educational and advocacy activities, the statement elucidates.

In 1990, the Philippines’ first nutritional guidelines was called the Dietary Guidelines for Filipinos and consisted of only five (5) messages.

The 1990 guidelines were reviewed in 1997 to ensure relevance to specific health and nutrition problems at that time.

By 2000, the NNC organized and coordinated an inter-agency expert group led by the FNRI-DOST which modified the guidelines.

Thus, the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos were born, bearing ten specifically targeted messages promoting good health and proper nutrition.

The FNRI-DOST is the government’s lead agency in food and nutrition research and development, while the NNC of the Department of Health (DOH) is the country’s highest policy-making and coordinating body on nutrition.

The FNRI sits as a member of the NNC Governing Board and chairs the Technical Committee, ably represented by its director, Dr. Mario V. Capanzana.

For more information on food and nutrition, contact Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, FNRI Director, DOST Compound, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; 837-2934 & 839-1839 (direct lines); 837-3164 (fax); 837-2071 local 2287, 837-8113 local 325 (trunklines); mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com (email); www.fnri.dost.gov.ph (website).