Calcium intake of Filipinos is only 57 percent adequate

The function of calcium in building healthy bones and teeth development deserves emphasis. Bones and teeth are the depository of calcium in our body, where 99 percent of the calcium is stored while 1 percent is in the blood and other tissues. Our body has no capacity to produce this essential mineral. This is why proper attention should be given to ensure that the daily requirement for calcium, which is 760 milligrams for an average Filipino, is being met.

Being the foundation of our body, we need to keep our bones healthy and dense. It is good to be reminded that our body stores calcium best when we are infants until we are 30 years old. This is the time for bone-building because the calcium we take in is best absorbed and stored in our bones. Thus, this is the opportune time to make the densest and strongest bones possible to protect against brittle bones or osteoporosis later in life. When our calcium intake is low, our body makes use of the calcium in our bones to function well. This can make our bones brittle and porous if we don't have enough stores. This is where the importance of saving calcium comes in.

For healthy bones, intake of calcium-rich foods such as milk and other dairy products is a must. Aside from calcium, milk contains other vitamins and minerals necessary for good nutrition, thus it is associated to being an almost perfect food. For this, we should not give up the habit of drinking milk until adulthood to fulfill our daily requirement for calcium and other nutrients. It is unfortunate that based on the 2003 Food Consumption Survey of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST), the average per capita intake of calcium is only 57.1 percent adequate. Furthermore, only 15.9 percent of household had per capita calcium intake that was at least 80 percent of the RENI. This can be attributed to low consumption of milk and milk products which comprise only 5.6 percent of the total food intake.

Aside from the intake of calcium-rich foods, regular exercise plays a role in building healthy bones. Exercise triggers nerve impulses which then activate body chemicals to deposit calcium in our bones.

Now is the time to keep your bones dense. Eat calcium-rich foods everyday and exercise regularly.

For more information on food and nutrition, you may write or call dr. Mario V. Capanzana, Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City, email at mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, tel/fax no. 837-2934, 837-3164 or visit our website at http//www.fnri.dost.gov.ph

FNRI-DOST S & T Media Service
Mildred O. Guirindola