Being a mother and professional in the nutrition business, I am acutely conscious of malnutrition as a serious and widespread health concern, starting with micronutrient deficiencies among Filipino kids aged zero to five years old.
Facts about MND. A major health problem caused by MND is iron deficiency anemia among Filipino children aged six months to under one year old, with four out of 10 of them suffering from it. Those with IDA can become pale and weak, eat less, and tire easily. Apart from poor weight gain, they can experience frequent respiratory and intestinal infections. Most concerning is the association between iron deficiency and impaired behavioral, mental, and psychomotor development.
The Philippine Food Fortification Act of 2000 requires the fortification of staple foods and encourages voluntary fortification of processed foods. Through the Sangkap Pinoy program, the Department of Health leads the law’s implementation. Our efforts to help alleviate child MND via food fortification with infant cereals is a key corporate priority. We consider all relevant aspects of MND in the country, food fortification principles, and the attributes of our products so that these will offer the best nutritional value.