News feature: Milk intake lowest among children of poor families-FNRI

By Ma. Idelia G. Glorioso

MANILA, Aug. 7 -- Milk or more importantly breast milk, is the first food we taste and is the complete food for babies during the first six months of life.

Nutritionists tell us that milk is an essential source of calcium, while the Daily Nutritional Guide Pyramid suggests drinking a glass of milk everyday.

Most of us, if not all, know that calcium is important because it keeps the body alive by performing numerous functions including building and maintaining bones and teeth.

Calcium also helps in regulating blood clotting, transmitting nerve impulses, muscle flexing and heartbeat.

Ninety nine percent of the calcium in the body is stored in the bones and teeth while the remaining one percent is found in the blood and other tissues.

Related to this, the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) conducted a study that determined the contribution of milk and dairy products to the calcium intakes of children by age group and socio-economic status.

Results of the study showed that the average daily calcium intake of children 6 months to 10 years old is 291 milligrams, which is only 13 percent adequate when compared to the 80 milligrams estimated adequacy requirement (EAR) for children.

The percentage of children meeting adequate level of recommended calcium intake decreases as age increases, the results of the study further revealed.

Moreover, the study found that only 9.4 percent of the children met the recommended calcium intake for children 6 months to 10 old years.

Milk contributed only 34.4 percent of the total calcium intake of children, which is low considering the requirement for this period of rapid growth.

In terms of socio-economic status, calcium intake among young children increases as family wealth increases. Calcium intake was lowest among children of poor families, the study also noted.

The 2012 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos urges us, especially children, to “consume milk, milk products and other calcium-rich foods such as small fish and shellfish everyday for healthy bones and teeth”.

For more information on food and nutrition, contact Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, FNRI-DOST, DOST Compound, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City. Direct Lines and Fax: (02) 83703164; Trunklines: 837-2071 locals 2296 & 2284, 837-8113, locals 318 & 319; Website: www.fnri.dost.gov.ph; E-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com. (FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)