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,[1]
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.[2]
One major factor contributing to malnutrition is the lack of proper
nutritional guidance, especially during early childhood.[3] 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.[4]
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). [5]
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.
Healthy growth and development begin in the kitchen. Preparing meals
together ensures children get key macronutrients and essential minerals, laying
a strong foundation for their well-being while strengthening family
connections.
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.[6]
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.[7]
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.[8],[9]
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.[10],[11]
Fermented products like yogurt and cheese, along with animal-based foods like
meat and eggs, serve as excellent sources of vitamin K2.[12]
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.[13]
"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.
About
Abbott:
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that
helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of
life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading
businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and
branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160
countries.
Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on
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www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews.
[1] UNICEF. (2024). PhilHealth, UNICEF launch benefit package to address
severe malnutrition in children. https://www.unicef.org/philippines/press-releases/philhealth-unicef-launch-benefit-package-address-severe-malnutrition-children.
[2] World Bank Group. (2023). Undernutrition in the Philippines: Scale,
scope, and opportunities for nutrition policy and programming. In World Bank. https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/philippines/publication/-key-findings-undernutrition-in-the-philippines
[3] CEDTyClea. (2024, May 16). 1 in 3 Filipino
kids stunted — study. BusinessWorld Online. https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2024/05/16/595734/1-in-3-filipino-kids-stunted-study/
[4]De Sanctis, V., Soliman, A., Alaaraj, N.,
Ahmed, S., Alyafei, F., & Hamed, N. (2021). Early and long-term
consequences of nutritional stunting: from childhood to adulthood. Acta
Bio-medica Dell’Ateneo Parmense/Acta Biomedica, 92(1), e2021168. https://doi.org/10.23750/abm.v92i1.11346
[5] Press Release | Abbott India | Abbott
Launches New PediaSure with Nutri-Pull System to Help Support Catch-Up Growth
and Overall Health in Children. (n.d.). https://www.abbott.in/media-center/press-releases/abbott-launches-new-pediaSure-with-nutri-pull-system-to-help-support-catch-up-growth-and-overall-health-in-children.html
[6] Abbott Newsroom, Why is Protein Important for Kids'
Growth?
[8]Abbott Newsroom, Arginine: An Important Conditionally
Essential Amino Acid
[9] What Are Vitamin K2 and Arginine and Why
Are They So Important to children growth? (n.d.). vietnamnews.vn. https://vietnamnews.vn/brand-info/535562/what-are-vitamin-k2-and-arginine-and-why-are-they-so-important-to-children-growth.html
[10]Today, U. (2024, August 13). Vitamin K2 is essential to
your health. But taking supplements isn’t always safe, experts say. USA TODAY. https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2024/08/13/what-is-vitamin-k2/74548356007/
[11]What Are Vitamin K2 and Arginine and Why Are They So
Important to children growth? (n.d.). vietnamnews.vn. https://vietnamnews.vn/brand-info/535562/what-are-vitamin-k2-and-arginine-and-why-are-they-so-important-to-children-growth.html
[12]What Are Vitamin K2 and Arginine and Why Are They So
Important to children growth? (n.d.). vietnamnews.vn. https://vietnamnews.vn/brand-info/535562/what-are-vitamin-k2-and-arginine-and-why-are-they-so-important-to-children-growth.html
[13] Abbott website, PediaSure Plus
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