The new year sparks hope for better health outcomes, especially for children, but malnutrition remains a persistent challenge.
Malnutrition continues to jeopardize the growth, development, and overall well-being of Filipino children. Despite progress in healthcare, many still face the effects of undernutrition, vitamin deficiencies, and even obesity—issues often rooted in limited awareness and access to proper resources.
Parents can set their children up for a successful and healthy year ahead by providing them with a strong foundation of proper nutrition and encouraging healthy eating habits.
Data from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) and the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM-2) indicates that one in three Filipino children experiences stunted growth or malnutrition, which can have lasting effects on their physical and cognitive development. Furthermore, the World Bank ranks the Philippines fifth in the East Asia and Pacific region for the highest prevalence of stunting, placing it among the ten countries worldwide with the highest number of stunted children.
One major factor contributing to malnutrition is the lack of proper nutritional guidance, especially during early childhood. This gap leaves children vulnerable to undernourishment during critical early development stages when both body and brain grow rapidly. The long-term consequences of childhood malnutrition, particularly stunting, extend beyond physical limitations, leading to poor cognitive development, lower educational achievement, and decreased productivity in adulthood.
To tackle this issue, we need to understand the root causes of malnutrition. Insufficient dietary intake, suboptimal nutrient absorption, and inefficient nutrient utilization often contribute to undernutrition in various forms, such as stunting (low height-for-age), underweight (low weight-for-age), and wasting (low weight-for-height).
While access to food matters, ensuring that children receive the proper nutrients is essential for combating malnutrition. Parents must provide a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins to support physical and mental growth. Prioritizing nutrition reduces stunting and fosters healthy development.
It’s important to focus on key macronutrients and minerals that support children’s growth. Protein is essential for children’s growth and development as it supports tissue repair and growth in muscles, skin, organs, and more. Including lean meats, dairy, eggs, and legumes in meals ensures adequate intake. Additionally, growth requires extra energy, and underweight children may need additional calories, which should come from nutritious sources like healthy fats, carbohydrates, and protein—not junk food.
Iron and zinc are also crucial for growth. Iron helps deliver oxygen to the body’s cells and supports overall development, with iron-rich foods like meat, eggs, and leafy greens being excellent sources. Zinc plays a key role in cell growth and immune function, and deficiencies can hinder development. Foods like beef, spinach, and beans are good sources of zinc, helping children grow strong and healthy.
In addition, certain nutrients like arginine and vitamin K2 are crucial for growth. Arginine supports bone cell growth and stimulates growth hormone release, aiding in linear growth, especially during delayed development. It can be found in nuts, grains, legumes, meat, seafood, eggs, and dairy products.,
Vitamin K2 aids calcium absorption and transport into bones, promoting stronger bones and better bone density. It also supports cardiovascular and dental health and helps regulate blood clotting., Fermented products like yogurt and cheese, along with animal-based foods like meat and eggs, serve as excellent sources of vitamin K2.
While essential nutrients are readily available in everyday foods, it’s beneficial to ensure that children receive ample amounts to support their growing bodies and minds. If necessary, parents should consult their pediatricians for guidance on supplements or formulations that can help meet their child’s nutritional needs.
Special formulations like PediaSure Plus, scientifically designed with 37 growth nutrients, including Natural Vitamin K2 for strong bones and added Arginine for faster linear growth, offer targeted support for children’s development.
“Understanding and being attentive to your children’s dietary needs is vital for their growth and development. Providing a balanced diet that includes essential nutrients like Arginine and Vitamin K2 can promote bone growth and overall physical development. Ensuring they receive proper nutrition through a healthy diet, supplemented with the right formulations when necessary, optimizes their health and helps them reach their full potential,” said Dr. Jose Dimaano, Jr., Nutrition Medical director for Asia Pacific at Abbott.
Incorporating Arginine and Vitamin K2 into children’s diets presents an effective approach to addressing stunted growth. By prioritizing these essential nutrients, parents and caregivers can confidently support healthy growth and development of their children, helping them start the year strong and reach their full potential in life.
