Malnutrition: a growing concern among Filipino school children

http://www.philstar.com/health-and-family/2012/12/11/884470/malnutrition-growingconcern-among-filipino-school-children

Malnutrition: a growing concern among

Filipino school children
(The Philippine Star) | Updated December 11, 2012 - 12:00am
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The tale of the scale: The word malnutrition is generally associated with frail, skinny, and hunger-stricken
bodies. However, health experts time and again point out that this is not necessarily the case. In fact, a person
may appear outwardly normal and fit but is actually malnourished.
MANILA, Philippines - The word malnutrition is generally associated with frail, skinny, and hunger-stricken
bodies. However, health experts time and again point out that this is not necessarily the case. In fact, a person
may appear outwardly normal and fit but is actually malnourished.
Part of understanding malnutrition is to know that it manifests itself in two types, namely undernutrition and
overnutrition.

Undernutrition occurs when insufficient nutrients are absorbed by the body. These nutrients can be
carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Children suffering from undernutrition miss out on the
vital nutrients that are needed not only to grow but also to build up immunity against diseases.
In its latest study, the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) revealed that almost one in every three
Filipino children aged six to 10 is underweight and underheight or stunted for their age. The prevalence was
highest among those nine to 10 years old, all as a result of undernourishment.
Overnutrition, meanwhile, is the condition in which nutrients are oversupplied in a way more than the body is
capable of absorbing. It could result either in obesity or imbalances in specific nutrients caused by excessive
intake of dietary supplements or various fad diets.
Eight out of a hundred schoolchildren, aged five to 10, are overweight, based on the same FNRI data. In
2011, the percentage of overweight children in this same group jumped to 7.5 percent from 6.6 percent in
2008.

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To combat these forms of malnutrition, a balanced diet that includes plenty of vegetables must be given to
children especially in their growing-up years. Many nutritious and affordable vegetables can be prepared
within the limits of ones budget.
Regular intake of fortified milk is also among the most viable ways of helping address malnutrition,
particularly undernutrition. Fortified milk, like Bear Brand Powdered Milk Drink, has been added with more
vitamins and minerals than regular milk, offering a nutritious way for kids to get the benefits of the Tibay
Resistensya nutrients iron, zinc, and vitamin C.
Jasmin Estacio, consumer marketing manager for Bear Brand Powdered Milk Drink, points out that the
products affordable price also makes it easier for kids as well as adults to start the healthy milk-drinking
habit at home.
Being the main parent who prepares the dishes, mothers have the crucial role to play in providing the right
food on the table for the whole family, says Estacio. They are also in the best position to promote the
importance of drinking fortified milk every day, and Bear Brand Powdered Milk Drink is here to support their
nutritional requirements every step of the way.