FNRI Digest

ISSN Number: 0166-2985Vol. 28 No. 1 January - March 2011

FNRI sets plans for next five yearsMRGalang, Senior Research Specialist, TDSTSD

Director’s Message .........Writers’ Pool Corner .......News Flash .....................Human Resource in Focus ...........................Library Acquisition ...........

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What’s Inside

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FNRI Planning Workshop conducted last February 2-4, 2011 at Pranjetto Hills, Sitio Magsaysay, Tanay, Rizal.

The conduct of the FNRI Planning Workshop is an integral part of the activities of

the Institute lined up for each year. Its two-fold purpose were to: (a) to review and evaluate the research and development (R & D) projects and science and technology (S & T) activities of the past year, and (b) list and contemplate on the R & D projects and S & T activities that will be undertaken for the next five years or so.

Thus, the 2011 FNRI Planning Workshop was conducted last February 2-4, 2011 at the Pranjetto Hills, Sitio Magsaysay, Tanay, Rizal. The workshop was attended by the FNRI management, Technical Committee members, the DOST-conferred scientists detailed at the FNRI and selected junior staff. Once again, they pledged their

commitment to work together in crafting the Institute’s R & D agenda and S & T activities in food and nutrition based on the new rationalized structure of the Institute.

Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, FNRI Director, in his Opening Remarks, asked the group on the similarities and differences of this year’s workshop compared to those that the Institute had in previous years.

The staff noted the similarities in the distance and cool weather in the venue. They added that the accommodation was good, notwithstanding that they had to go up and down the stairs to get to their rooms and the conference area.

In terms of differences, the

group observed that there was no outside speaker as was the case in the previous workshops. Moreover, past workshop focused on the presentation of project accomplishments of the previous year, but this time, discussion centered on roadmaps of identified area thrusts in pursuit of the Institute’s vision and goals for 2011-2016. The focus of the workshop

FNRI Digest

Director's Message

EDITORIAL STAFF

Zenaida V. Narciso, Ph.D.Editor-in-Chief

Salvador R. SerranoAssistant Editor

Charina A. JavierIssue Editor

Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, Ph.D.Divorah V. Aguila

Victor Franco J. Alfonso, Jr.Jund Rian A. Doringo

Marilou R. GalangMa. Idelia G. GloriosoMildred O. GuirindolaCelina Ann Z. Javier

Charina A. JavierRegina M. Pagaspas

Ma. Corazon E. PalompoContributors

Erlinda V. IlaoCompositor

Romeo R. ArtuzArtist

Richard B. MagnoCirculation Manager

AdvisersMario V. Capanzana, Ph.D.

Director

Ferdinand B. Oamar, DPAOIC, Office of the Deputy Director

and Chief Administrative Office, FAD

Celeste C. Tanchoco, Dr.PHScientist III and Chief Science Research Specialist,

NFRDD

Zenaida V. Narciso, Ph.D.Chief Science Research Specialist, TDSTSD

Corazon M. CerdeñaChief Science Research Specialist, NAMD

Teresita R. PortugalSupervising Science Research Specialist, FRDG

Office Address: FNRI Building, DOST Compound, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Telefax: 837-2934/8373164; email: zvn@fnri.dost.gov.ph; website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph

FNRI Digest Editorial Board

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Before last year ended, our Department encouraged us to “ignite our minds” this 2011 and

beyond. Thus, in this first issue of the FNRI Digest, we hope to spark more genuine ideas to explore in the field of food and nutrition and provide greater avenue to promote these.

We started by drafting the road map of our medium-term plans. The FNRI conducted its planning-workshop at Pranjetto Hills Tanay, Rizal last January 26-28, 2011, where each division laid out the projects for the next five years. The output of the planning-workshop serves as the Institute’s blueprint of activities for 2011 to 2016.

The first Nutrigenomics National Conference organized by the FNRI, in partnership with the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD-DOST) gathered international and local experts from the academe, research and clinical practice at the Hyatt Hotel, Pedro Gil, Malate, Manila on January 19-20, 2011. Discussions on the interrelationship of diet, disease and the application of nutrigenomics on improving health were done and suggestions were given for future undertakings on this field.

The FNRI joined the advocacy campaign for increased vegetable

consumption with Senator Edgardo Angara and the members of the vegetable consortium. The Oh My Gulay! (OMG) Campaign kicked-off last February 11, 2011, where different organizations and companies were encouraged to pull their resources together to help improve the nutritional status of schoolchildren by promoting vegetables and healthy eating.

The Institute, in partnership with IBC 13, also successfully completed the first season of the Nutrition School on Camera, known on TV as, Nutrisyon is Kool. The school is part of the program RX: Nutrisyon at Kalusugan which was aired every Mondays and Fridays, 1:30-2:00pm at IBC13 from January 3 to February 14, 2011. A total of 58 mothers in the community, and 56 text-viewers actively participated in the School. The FNRI hopes that the next season of the school will be coming up soon, as there are still numerous nutrition topics and concepts that need to be taught among the general viewing public, especially mothers.

Also in this issue are our regular articles from the FNRI Writers’ Pool. Featured here are topics for post-menopausal women, vitamin C sources in the diet of Filipinos, status of participation in nutrition programs and health status of Pinoy adults. The photonews section presents snapshots of our activities for the first quarter of 2011.

Suffice to say, we are overwhelmed with enthusiasm for current and forthcoming activities. The road is not easy, but we’re facing the challenge for an even more productive year ahead!

MARIO V. CAPANZANA, Ph.D.Director

FNRI Digest

Writers’ Pool CornerHigh calcium diets may prevent overweight and obesity among post-menopausal women

RMPagaspas, Senior Science Research Specialist, TDSTSD

Results of the 7th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) of the Food and Nutrition Research

Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) showed that prevalence of overweight and obesity was highest at 37.5 and 35.6 percent among Filipino female adults 40-59 and 50-59 years old, respectively. This condition poses a threat to the lives of many who are overweight and obese because of chronic diseases associated with them, like cardiovascular diseases (CVD), hypertension and diabetes.

On the other hand, according to the study conducted by Dr. Agdeppa et. al. of the FNRI-DOST, high-calcium milk prevented the occurrence of obesity among post-menopausal women who consumed the drink for 16 weeks.

This study looked at the effect of high-calcium fortified low-fat milk drink with vitamin D and a low-calcium placebo drink on the height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumference (WHC) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) of post-menopausal women before and after the intervention.

The dietary intake assessment was based on the average of the two-day 24-hour food recall which was transformed into nutrient intake using the Individual Dietary Evaluation System (IDES) software.

Physical activity was assessed using a structured questionnaire and measured using the

International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).

About 60 qualified women who were at least five years post-menopausal were randomly grouped into Group 1 which received the high calcium milk and Group 2 which received the placebo drink.

Results showed that there were no significant increases in the anthropometric indices observed among subjects who took high-calcium fortified milk at the end of the study.

This result supported previous studies that a higher intake of dietary calcium reduces fat absorption thus, no weight gain among subjects who took the high-calcium fortified milk.

A significant increase, however, was observed in the weight,

body mass index, waist and hip circumferences of the subjects who took the placebo drink.

Energy and nutrient intakes

and physical activity levels were found to be not associated with the anthropometric measurements.

Findings showed that high-calcium milk prevented the occurrence of obesity among post-menopausal women who consumed the drink for 16 weeks.

The study recommends that consumption of high dietary calcium could be a useful part of an overall approach to prevent overweight and obesity among post-menopausal women. Preventing overweight and obesity could be taught in nutrition education and counseling sessions, as done by patients in need of losing weight through increased physical activity to obtain a better outcome.n

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FNRI Digest

Pinoy vitamin C intake mostly from veggies, not fruitsCAJavier, Science Research Specialist I, TDSTSD

The food consumption survey (FCS) conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology

(FNRI-DOST) in 2008 showed that the main sources of vitamin C in the diet of Filipinos are vegetables.

The FCS is a component of the 7th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) conducted every 5 years to update the nutritional status of Filipinos.

Vegetables contribute 34-53 percent of the vitamin C intake of the population, except for preschool and schoolchildren, while fruits contribute about 19-29 percent.

The survey also showed that for adults, the elderly, and lactating women, more than 50 percent of their vitamin C intake comes from vegetables.

For adolescents and pregnant women, vitamin C intake from vegetables contributes 42.2 and 41.7 percent, respectively.

Children have lower vitamin C intake from vegetables, contributing 34.6 percent to diets of 6-12 year-old children. Only 17.2 percent was contributed by vegetables for vitamin C among 6 months to 5 years old children.

Not known to may, growing up milk, which is often fortified with micronutrients, can significantly contribute to vitamin C intake of children. The bulk of

vitamin C intake of preschool-age children comes from milk and its products, contributing 33.3 percent.

However, no more than 30 percent of the population met the estimated average requirement (EAR) which is 80 percent of the recommended intake for vitamin C. Only 3 in every 10 households met the EAR.

Furthermore, the FCS showed that vegetable consumption is on the downtrend over the years.

Vegetable consumption has decreased from an average per capita vegetable intake of 145 grams in 1978 to 110 grams in 2008.

Vitamin C-rich vegetables include leafy greens like malunggay, ampalaya, petsay, saluyot as well as red and green pepper, sitsaro and raw cabbage.

The results call for a more aggressive promotion and advocacy of vegetables consumption among the public, especially that these are the main sources of vitamin C and other vitamins and minerals.

Backyard or home gardening should be further encouraged to increase food security at the household level.

The government should also provide support to local vegetable producers to increase supply and help sustain or reduce the price of vegetables.n

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FNRI Digest

One of the components of the 7th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) conducted in 2008 by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute

of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) deals on the participation of Filipino households and individuals on existing government programs on food, nutrition and health.

This component aimed to determine the proportion of households, children, pregnant and lactating women who are availing of these government programs.

It also aimed to gauge the effectiveness of these government programs in improving the nutrition and health condition of these vulnerable groups.

Information on program participation was gathered through face-to-face interview with the father, mother or any responsible member of the household.

Programs intended for households included food production, free medical/dental services, botika ng bayan, tindahan natin, food for school, senior citizen discount card, nutrition education, seminar on responsible parenthood, credit assistance for livelihood, skills training and food-for-work.

On the other hand, programs for children 0 to 5 years old included immunization, Vitamin A supplementation, growth monitoring, operation timbang, supplementary feeding, orally-fit child and deworming.

For pregnant women and lactating mothers, programs included tetanus toxoid immunization, micronutrient supplementation, nutrition counseling and breastfeeding promotion.

Results showed that there was a relatively low participation in most of the government programs included in the survey.

Participation in food, nutrition and health programs relatively low

MOGuirindola, Senior Science Research Specialist, NAMD

Among the programs intended for households, food production recorded the highest participation at 51.8 percent while other programs had participation rates ranging from 34.2 percent to as low as 1.8 percent

Among children, there were encouraging results in the immunization for BCG, DPT, OPV and hepa-B at more than 80 percent, except measles immunization with low participation at 45.7 percent. Vitamin A supplementation was also successful with more than 80 percent participation.

However, full implementation of newborn screening, which is on its infancy stage, has a long way to go with only 13.8 percent participation.

Deworming for children also showed low participation at 59 percent and 64.1 percent, respectively, among children 1 to 5 years and 6 to 12 years old.

Among pregnant and lactating mothers, less than 50 percent participated in tetanus toxoid immunization as well as micronutrient supplementation.

Pregnant mothers had low participation on nutrition counseling and breastfeeding promotion at 24.4 percent and 24.4 percent, respectively but fortunately, lactating women revealed 100 percent participation in breastfeeding promotion.

The results challenge all the stakeholders to ensure that the different government programs on food, nutrition and health will reach out to all the needy population groups in the most effective and efficient way possible.

In the first place they are the reason for the creation and implementation of these government programs to improve the country’s nutrition situation.n

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FNRI Digest

NEWS FLASH

DVAguila, Science Research Specialist I, TDSTSD

FNRI’s Nutrisyon is Kool first graduation held

The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) and the Inter-Continental Broadcasting

Corporation (IBC 13) held the first graduation of more than 50 students who successfully finished the Nutrisyon is Kool Program last February 25, 2011 at the Training Room of the FNRI-DOST in Bicutan, Taguig City.

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The pioneer batch of graduates finished 13 episodes integrated into four modules on food and nutrition. The Nutrition School on Camera, with the name “Nutrisyon is Kool”, a fifteen-minute segment of the Rx Nutrisyon at Kalusugan, a thirty minute nutrition and health program aired twice a week at IBC 13. The Program ran for one season with 13 episodes. The first episode was aired last January 3, 2011 at 1:30 to 2:00 pm and every Monday and Friday thereafter, and ended last February 14, 2011.

Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, FNRI Director, delivered the Opening Remarks while Ms. Mayette Camacho, IBC 13 representative, gave an inspiring message for both the graduates and the staff behind the success of the initial telecast of the program. Dr. Ferdinand B. Oamar, Officer in Charge of the Office of the Deputy Director, delivered the Closing Remarks.

As in any school, the Nutrisyon is Kool had a teacher in the person of an FNRI expert. There were test questions for the audience to answer on-line or via text message to encourage participation from the audience and televiewers. n

Amidst all the Christmas rush, the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) of the Office of the President of the Philippines treated their

employees to a Health and Wellness Day, last December 21, 2010 at the rooftop of the PMS building at the Malacañang compound in San Miguel, Manila.

Different companies joined the event by offering their health services, health supplements, free blood testing and bone scan, among other related activities.

In line with the said activity, the Food and Nutrition Research Institute- Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) was invited by the PMS to give dietary counseling as part of the event.

FNRI-DOST conducts dietary counseling among Malacañang staffCZJavier, Science Research Specialist I, TDSTSD

Mr. Victor Franco J. Alfonso, Jr. , SRS I conducted blood pressure reading last December 21, 2010 at PMS Building, San Miguel, Manila.15

FNRI Digest

FNRI Spearheads First National Nutrigenomics ConferenceVJAlfonso, Science Research Specialist I, TDSTSD

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The Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) in partnership with the Philippine Council

for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD-DOST) organized the First National Nutrigenomics Conference, at the Hyatt Hotel, Pedro Gil, Malate, Manila last January 19-20, 2011.

Nutrigenomics is a science that examines the response of individuals to food compounds using post-genomic and related technologies like genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomic.

Studying nutrigenomics may help prevent possible illnesses caused by work and eating practices of many Filipinos.

Nutrigenomics explores how food chemicals alter the expression of genes, while it also addressing genetic differences between individuals and the effect of food chemicals on an individual’s biologic response.

Studies on nutrigenomics and what is nutrigenetics aim to provide evidence-based dietary intervention strategies for restoring health and preventing diet-related diseases.

It shows that an individual’s genetic make-up can determine susceptibility to lifestyle diseases.

This will be the basis for recommending the kind of diet and food that an individual needs to eat to remain healthy.

The Conference is the first step in establishing a Nutrigenomics Center in the Philippines that will eventually provide services to personalize or individualize nutrition and give genome-based dietary recommendations.

During the conference, Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director of FNRI-DOST, presented the Research and Development (R & D) Agenda on Nutrigenomics in the Philippines.

Dr. Capanzana focused on the “Competency Development Roadmap on Nutrigenomics” which is the plan for 2010-2014. This involves several components. First, Capacity-Building and Upgraded laboratory for Nutrigenomics through renovation and acquisition of laboratory equipment. Next is the development of more local expert with masters, doctoral and post-

doctoral degrees through formal and non-formal training.

The plan also includes creating a local data bank of genotype to build up the Philippines to be able to conduct and prescribe nutrition care based on the individual genotype.

Dr. Capanzana also presented the ongoing research in nutrigenomics on the: ”Extraction and Identification of Known Genes of Lifestyle Diseases in Men and Women 20 years old and Over”. This is a long-term study to secure a local database on the Filipino gene as some differences are seen between Asians and Caucasians that determine risk for lifestyle diseases. He also presented proposed researches for nutrigenomics.

Other presentors in this First National Nutrigenomics Seminar represent the best in the fields of genetics in the Philippines, like Dr. Carmencita D. Padilla, Chair, Department of Pediatrics, UP-Philippine General Hospital (PGH); Dr. Francisco Heralde III, Associate Professor, University of the Philippines; Dr. Eva Cutiongco-dela Paz, Director, Institute of Human Genetics, National Institutes of Health (NIH); Dr. Richard Tiongco II, Consultant , PGH; Dr. Lynne Cobiac, Associate Dean , Flinders University, Australia; Dr. Julie Li-Yu, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Santo. Thomas; Dr. Maria Contancia Carrillo, Associate Professor, College of Arts and Science, UP Manila; Dr, Catherine Lynne Silao, Head, Molecular Genetics Laboratory, NIH; and Dr. Pedro Jose, Children’s National Medical Center, USA.

FNRI Digest

PHOTO NEWS=

1st National Nutrigenomics Conference at Hyatt Hotel, Malate, Manila, January 19-20, 2011.

Opening ceremonies of the Technology Partnering Forum 2011: Innovations for Business Expo at the SM Megatrade Hall 3 in Mandaluyong City on February 24-25, 2011.

Technology Needs Assessment(TNA) Workshop, FNRI Training Room, February 23-24, 2011

Planning Workshop at Pranjetto Hills, Sitio Magsaysay, Tanay, Rizal last February 2-4, 2011

FNRI Digest

Nutrition School on Camera Season I Graduation at FNRI Training Room, February 25, 2011

Hydration Symposium in CAR March 10-12, 2011

Launching of Siglang Pinoy Project at Labo, Camarines Norte, February 14, 2011 and Sadanga Mountain Province, March 21, 2011

FNRI Digest10

IAAgdeppa, Ph.D., Assistant Scientist

FNRI presents at international confab on functional foods

The 8th International Conference on "Functional Foods for Chronic Diseases" was held at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, USA last March

15-17, 2011. The main goal of the Conference is to bring together experts in medicine, biology and food industry to discuss the contribution of functional foods in the prevention and management of chronic diseases. The main Conference topics were:

Functional Foods for Diabetes; Functional Foods for Obesity; Functional Foods for Cardiovascular Diseases; Functional Foods in Health and disease; and Development of Functional Food Products as Therapeutics

The conference was attended by medical doctors, scientists, nutritionists, herbal professionals, food industry representatives, Ph.D. students, and others.

The presentation of keynote speakers, Dr. Garth L. Nicolson, Ph.D., Professor from the Department of Molecular Medicine, Laguna Beach, California, USA

on "Lipid Replacement Therapy: a Functional Food Approach for Reducing Cancer-Associated Fatigue andthe Adverse Effects of Cancer Therapy", has created interests from the audience on the role of lipid replacement therapy combined with NTFactor that reduces the amount of fatigue in patients with or without cancer.

The investigation showed that using the Piper Fatigue Scale, there was a 36.8 percent reduction in fatigue in one week and that no adverse effects of the supplement occurred during the study.

Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, FNRI Director, as well as Dr Trinidad P. Trinidad and Dr. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa also of the FNRI delivered oral presentations during the Congress.

The "Effect of High-Calcium and Vitamin D-Fortified Milk on Anthropometric Indices of Post-Menopausal Women" was presented by Dr. Capanzana, while a paper on "Glycemic Index of Commonly-Consumed Fruits in the Philippines was presented by Dr. Trinidad, and Dr. Agdeppa presented a paper on "Ready-to-drink fortified juice resulted in improved iron and zinc status.

Having these researches presented in an international forum simply implies the high quality of results of the FNRI researches.

The poster presentation session was enlightening and fostered a very friendly environment.

The FNRI staff had the opportunity to discuss their presented researches in functional foods with other participants and gained new insights for future researches on this field. n

FNRI set plans for next ... from p. 1

specifies that the participants worked by area thrust and not by division, as the usual order of previous workshops.

Dr. Capanzana also set some rules in the conduct of the workshop which he called the 5S of the 2011 FNRI Planning Workshop – no Sleeping, no Snoring, no Shopping, no escaping, and most importantly, Sharing of knowledge and expertise.

Dr. Capanzana’s Opening Remarks was followed by his presentation of the accomplishments of the Institute for 2010. Here, he reiterated the FNRI’s mandate, vision, mission, quality policy, organizational performance indicator framework and R&D programs under each of the three Major Final Outputs (MFOs).

Dr. Capanzana also cited the numbers of scientific and technical papers completed, scientific publications,

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FNRI Digest 11

Dietary fat is an integral part of the diet, giving food a distinct flavor, taste, texture and palatability.

Unlike carbohydrates and proteins, fats contain a concentrated amount of nine kilocalories per gram of energy and serve as an energy source in the body.

The sixth recommendation of the Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF) developed by a team of experts led by the Food ad Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) states: “Eat foods cooked in edible or cooking oil daily”.

Fats and oils provide additional dietary energy as a partial remedy to energy deficiency of the average Filipino and facilitate better utilization of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.

Opposing that fat is “bad”, Ms. Megan Cobcroft, nutrition team leader for Asia and the Pacific of Unilever, explained the goodness of fats and oils in general during the Nutritionist-Dietitians Association of the Philippines Annual Convention on March 4, 2011 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City.

“Choosing the type of fat is more important than the total fat consumed in the body”, Cobcroft said.

Vegetable oils or unsaturated fats, which are rich in poly-unsaturated and mono-unsaturated fatty acids, are healthier than animal fats or saturated fats.

These unsaturated fats provide omega-3, -6 and -9 fatty acids essential to body functions and processes and which the body cannot produce.

These poly-unsaturated fatty acids decrease the low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels in the body.

Also known as the “bad” cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol transports cholesterol from the liver to the tissues of the body and deposits it on the artery walls causing the formation of hard, thick cholesterol plaque.

Therefore, LDL-cholesterol level is an important risk factor for coronary heart diseases.

According to the 7th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) conducted by the FNRI-DOST in 2008, 11.8 percent of

Fats and oils can be goodJRADoringo, Science Research Specialist I, TDSTSD

Filipinos has high LDL-cholesterol levels equal to or more than one hundred sixty milligrams per deciliter (≥160 mg/dL).

Almost the same value was observed in the 2003 NNS at 11.7 percent, and this level is perceived as a public health problem.

Abundant and most commonly-used in the Philippines, the coconut oil is rich in mono-unsaturated fat like canola, olive and corn oils, while fish, sunflower and sesame oil are rich in poly-unsaturated fats.

Cobcroft also said that a low-calorie diet is much useful for weight loss management.

There is no single food that provides all the nutrients the body needs.

Each nutrient has specific role in the body for energy, growth and nourishment.

Choosing and combining the right food to eat is the key to proper nutrition.n

Errata to FNRI Digest October – December 2010 Issue

Page 12 &13

MMAguilos1. : typographical error, should read as MAAguilosColumn 1, Line 92. : typographical error, should read as follows:

…of the FIERC were in the meeting to oversee the…

FNRI Digest

Salt reduction symposium conductedDVAguila, Science Research Specialist I, TDSTSD

A half-day symposium on salt reduction was organized by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and

Technology (FNRI-DOST) in partnership with the Unilever Philippines on March 2, 2011 at the Ballroom 1 of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Makati City.

The symposium was organized to discuss practical strategies for reducing the population’s intake of salt and share local and international experiences on sodium reduction schemes.

It is well-documented that people, particularly Filipinos, consume too much salt in their diet. Processed foods are responsible for at least 75 percent of daily salt intake among the populations of most countries. In addition, cross-epidemiological studies have shown that populations with higher salt intakes have higher levels of blood pressure.

Engr. Ramon Macapagal, Vice President for Corporate Development of Unilever Philippines, welcomed everyone to the half-day symposium. He noted that the partners in the food industry, government and non-government organization are well represented in the symposium.

Dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director of the FNRI-DOST, gave an insightful presentation on the consumption of salt and the contribution of different foods to salt consumption in the Philippines. He outlined the multi-staged stratified sampling design of the Filipino dietary survey. He then described current government dietary guidelines that include a recommendation to “use iodized salt but avoid excessive intake of salty foods.” He said that moderating sodium intake to less than 5 grams (g) should be encouraged. Dr. Capanzana showed the salt content of a range of commonly-eaten foods and then used a pie chart to indicate the contribution of different foods to salt in the diet. He reported that 4 grams of discretionary salt is added per day to food by people in the Philippines. He showed there has been a reduction in discretionary salt use since 2003 but there was a parallel increase in the consumption of processed meats and canned foods, which are high in salt. He also highlighted regional variations in salt intakes and hypertension. He concluded that with the

government’s guidance, the following advice should be given to Filipinos:

rgo natural, go fresh;ravoid seasoning and condiments;rremove salt, patis (fish sauce), bagoong or alamang

(fish or shrimp paste), catsup, and soy sauce off the table;

ruse salt in moderation;rplan meals that are low in salt or sodium content;rcut down on snack foods and instant noodles;rrinse-off canned and frozen foods before eating;

andrread labels

Dr. Roberto C. Tanchangco, Director of the Philippine Lipid and Atherosclerosis Society, presented the harmful health consequences of high salt intake. Dr. Tanchangco said that very few people now question the fact that salt is bad for health. He outlined the historical uses of salt but said that it was no longer a necessary preservative for many foods. People are consuming eight to ten times more than they need for good health. He demonstrated how reducing population salt intakes would have as great an impact as existing clinical strategies for preventing hypertension through drug-based therapies. He concluded that national salt reduction programs were likely to be as effective as interventions to stop smoking.

Ms. Megan Cobcroft, Unilever Regional Nutrition Manager for China, Southeast Asia and the Pacific,

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then gave an international overview of salt reduction strategies and highlighted the present situation with regard to salt issues in South East Asia. She reported that the International and Australian authorities advocate salt reduction in food as a cost-effective strategy to improve public health. Reducing salt gradually, she said, is achievable by the food industry and consumer taste preference for high salt foods can be shifted. According to Dr. Cobcroft, an action plan for salt reduction should include: auditing against salt targets to determine potential reductions; setting priority products for salt reduction; identifying sodium sources; and using sensory research to benchmark and test consumer acceptance. The product developer’s toolbox for salt reduction should include flavours, lower salt ingredients and salt substitutes.

For consistency, the word “salt” is used in this article as a general word for sodium and salt. Salt or sodium choloride (NaCl) consists of 40% sodium and 60% chloride; 2.5 grams salt is equivalent to 1 grams sodium.

In closing, Dr. Rodolfo F. Florentino, President of the Nutrition Foundation of the Philippines, mentioned that although great achievements have been made by the industry, further reductions are still required to meet the targets of healthy salt consumption levels, and manufacturers are investigating the possibilities to reduce levels further, without compromising food safety, consumer perception and processing.n

Salt reduction ... from p. 12

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FNRI set plans for next ... from p. 1

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application for intellectual properties (IPs) filed, clients served, licensing agreements made, and technical/analytical services rendered.

He likewise emphasized the DOST priority programs, including the Sulong Pinoy project, brown rice, coco sap and syrup, nutrigenomics, and the development of advocacy and promotion materials such as the puppet videos.

Dr. Ferdinand B. Oamar, Chief of the Finance and Administrative Division (FAD), followed with a presentation of the 2010 accomplishments and 2011 plans of the administrative and finance division.

The next two days witnessed the presentation of the roadmaps of 14 selected area thrusts that include the following: (a) nutritional and health benefits of functional foods; (b) functional food product development; (c) fortified food product development; (d) nutritional food product development R & D; (e) nutrigenomics; (f) nutritional assessment (g) policy development; (h) food quality and safety R&D; (i) food composition tables (FCT); (j) RENI and dietary guidelines; (k) food-based interventions; (l) development of IEC materials; (m) information and communication technology (ICT) and; (n) upgrading of laboratory facilities.

There were certain requirements for the preparation

of the roadmaps. Firstly, a roadmap should be able to address pressing national problems, like malnutrition.

It should also aim to speed up the acquisition of knowledge and skills on advanced and emerging technologies, thus raising the levels of our technological competence that will enable us to effectively respond to the market requirements, at the least with our ASEAN counterparts.

Moreover, it should employ coherent and cohesive strategies and approaches to ensure that the prospective roadmap is set within a period of five years.

Each roadmap presented had for its strategic components the following: (a) technology scanning and benchmarking to include study missions in both local and international institutions; (b) human resource development; (c) facilities development and improvement; (d) linkage and networking; and (e) R & D application and validation.

Under each strategy is the identification of project activities, and finally, the expected outputs.

In essence, the roadmap for each area thrust, spells out the main goal the Institute wants to achieve at the end of a five-year period.

The goal may be in terms of the overall outcome or impact that would be realized following the successful implementation of the roadmap. Examples of these overall outcomes or impact are: (a) developed capability on new and advanced technologies; (b) promoted innovation, like product, process,

FNRI Digest14

Health and nutrition are some of the chosen advocacies of Senator Angara.

In 2002, Senator Angara launched a pilot School Feeding Program (SFP) called Kalusugan ng Bata, Karunungan ng Bayan (K&K) in selected public elementary schools around the country.

The K&K was conducted on a 120-day cycle, where milk and noodles fortified with egg were distributed to schoolchildren from grade levels 1, 2 and 3. Over 25,000 pupils from the National Capital Region (NCR) and public elementary schools in Abra, Aurora, Benguet, Ilocos Norte and Iloilo benefited from K&K.

With this project, drop-out rate in participating schools was cut by half, incidence of protein energy malnutrition was reduced by 80 percent, incidence of iron-deficiency anemia was lowered by 90 percent and iodine deficiency was completely eliminated.

With the experience gained from K&K, Senator Angara realized that the solution to malnutrition is literally and figuratively right in the background. That is how the “Oh My Gulay!” idea was born.

The Senator believed that growing vegetables in the backyard or even in pots is a powerful and cost-effective solution to combat “hidden hunger” or micronutrient deficiency and malnutrition.

Children are not fond of eating vegetables - a fact that is no surprise to many.

FNRI-DOST supports "Oh My Gulay!" project of Senator Edgardo J. Angara

Based on the National Nutrition Survey of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), the consumption of vegetables which are rich sources of vitamins and minerals necessary to prevent malnutrition is only 110 grams per capita per day. Compare this to 1978 where the consumption was 145 grams per capita per day, or in 1982 where it was at 130 grams per capita per day.

Looking at the intake of children aged six months to five year-old, vegetables contributed only 3.3 percent to their daily intake. This was higher among children 6-12 years old, where vegetables accounted for 6.7 percent of their daily consumption.

Oh My Gulay! is an advocacy program and brainchild of Senator Angara that aims to alleviate some nutritional deficiencies among underprivileged families, particularly pre-school and elementary school children. The program also hopes to create awareness about the nutritional value of common vegetables, encourage target families to plant and eat vegetables, and be more concerned about nutrition.

Activities of Oh My Gulay! include school feeding programs, vegetable backyard and school gardening projects, distribution of vegetable seeds and seedlings in schools and communities, and the teaching of vegetable cultivation in elementary and high schools.

Communication campaigns in print, radio, television, and online media convey one simple message of encouraging the children to have a healthy diet that includes kalabasa, malunggay, sitaw, talbos ng kamote, and other readily available and affordable vegetables.

Popular celebrities like Sarah Geronimo and Anne Curtis, among others are endorsing for free one simple message on vegetable and are lending their names to this cause.

The FNRI-DOST has pledged to support the advocacy, particularly in the research component of the program.

Other members of the consortium are the Nutrition Foundation of the Philippines, National Nutrition Council (NNC), Nutrition Center of the Philippines

MIGGlorioso, Senior Science Research Specialist, TDSTSD

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FNRI set plans for next ... from p. 13

technology; (c) increased number of products and innovative technologies; and (d) increased number of R&D and S&T services or tests.

Each year with its attendant strategies and project activities is a step towards the achievement of this goal.

The roadmap in each of the identified area thrusts was developed by a working group consisting of an

FNRI First National Nutrigenomics ...... from p. 7

The experts presented current findings on the genome or an individual’s DNA: a) what are the genes that are linked to diseases and, b) how what people eat can affect the genes as it is linked to diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and even cancer.

It was here at this conference that the experts planned for the future of nutrigenomics in the Philippines.

A pool of nutritionists-dietitians from the FNRI-DOST, composed of Ms. Regina M. Pagaspas, Ms. Arsenia J. Cruz, Ms. Czarina Teresita S. Martinez, Mr. Victor J. Alfonso Jr. and Ms. Celina Ann Z. Javier, was sent to conduct the dietary counseling.

The FNRI-DOST team also conducted blood pressure reading, weight and height measurements. Food pyramid flyers and different diet guides were also distributed during the event.

(NCP), and the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI). Private corporations like Unilever, Fonterra, Novartis, Abbott, Wyeth, Nestle Philippines, and East-West Seed are founding partners of the Program.

Lets make Oh My Gulay! a turning point in saving the children from malnutrition to ensure a better future of the country. n

FNRI supports “oh my Gulay!” project ....... from p. 14

Small groups were formed to discuss and plan for possible future researches in Nutrigenomics. These researches should focus on obesity, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and cancer.

The conference is a good beginning for

nutrigenomics in the Philippines. but a lot has still to be done in this new filed.

The FNRI-DOST is a key partner in achieving the goal of a personalized or individualized nutrition and diet based on genes. n

A total of 49 employees from the PMS came to the FNRI- DOST booth for dietary counseling. The clients’ Body Mass Index (BMI) and Desirable Body Weight (DBW) were also determined during the dietary consultation.

The FNRI-DOST is privileged and happy to be part of the event and is looking forward for more partnerships with the PMS. n

acknowledged expert in a specific area who acted as the lead person and members from the different divisions.

Each roadmap presented was critiqued for improvement.

The roadmap outputs of the 2011 FNRI Planning Workshop now constitute the R&D and S&T agenda of the Institute for the period 2011-2016.n

FNRI-DOST conducts dietary counselling ....... from p. 7

Just adding a little movement to your life can:

Reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes Improve joint stability Increase and improve range of movementHelp maintain flexibility as you age Maintain bone massPrevent osteoporosis and fractures Improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression Enhance self esteem Improve memory in elderly people Reduce stress

Simple Ways to Live a Healthy Lifestyle

FNRI Digest

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RC Predisposing Factor that Affect/Influence Overweight and Obesity AmongEmployees in San Lazaro Hospital, Manila.Manila: PWU, 2008.

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A thesis presented to the Faculty Committee of the Graduate School The Philippine Women’s University Manila. In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

FN Food and Nutrition Research Institute The seventh National Nutrition Survey.Bicutan, Taguig City: FNRI-DOST [2010].

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TH Ortiz, Alexis M.

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Effectiveness of the Technology Transfer and Commercialization of the FNRI - Developed Food Technologies. Makati City: [ADMU-ASG] 2009.

Submitted to the Faculty of the Ateneo School of Government in partial fulfillmentof the requirements for the Degree of Master in Public Management.

THHF5569C1912009

Carizo, Ma. Fe A.

Effectiveness of the current electronic new government accounting system (e-NGAS) at the Food and Nutrition Research Institute-Department of Science and Technology.Makati City: [ADMU_ASG]2009.

Submitted to the Faculty of the Ateneo School of Government in partial fulfillmentof the requirements for the Degree of Master in Public Management.

Library AcquisitionsMCEP, SRS I, TDSTSD