News Feature: Regulating your body processes with
calcium
By Charina A. Javier
Calcium is the main structural component of bones
ad teeth but did you know that it also controls the contraction of your muscles
and transmission of your nerve impulses?
Yes, 99 percent of our calcium, together with
phosphorus, forms the matrix of bones and teeth, the structural function of
calcium. The remaining one percent is in the bloodstream, regulating the
contraction and relaxation of muscles, especially the heart muscle, blood
clotting, nerve impulse transmission, production of hormone and maintenance of
acid-base balance.
The amount in the bloodstream may be too small as
compared to the amount found in the bones but reducing it causes the calcium in
your bones to be used up, putting individuals at greater risk of fracture or
osteoporosis in later life.
Calcium is needed in the production and activation
of enzymes like the enzyme to contract and relax muscles, secretion of hormones
such as the growth hormone, conduction of synapses in nerves, activation of
clotting factor in the blood, control of cell membrane permeability and
electrolyte balance.
Calcium normalizes blood pressure among
salt-sensitive patients and relieves muscles muscle cramps especially among
pregnant women. In addition, a study done by Prompt and Quinton of the
Departments of Physiology and Medicine of the University of California Medical
School found that calcium is an essential requirement for stimulating sweat and
that may be a factor in regulating the concentration of sweat.
Our body has to maintain the normal level of
calcium in the blood and soft tissues to keep up with all of its regulating
functions even at the expense of our bones.
This mechanism makes it difficult to determine
calcium deficiency unlike other nutrients where deficiency can be determined
through blood or urinary tests and there is no specific disease characterizing
it.
Including calcium-rich foods in your daily diet
would ensure that the calcium stored in your bones will not be used up to help
regulate a lot of body processes. Message No. 5 of the 2012 Nutritional
Guidelines for Filipinos developed by the Technical Working Group led by the
Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology
(FNRI-DOST) recommends to consume milk, milk products and other calcium-rich
foods everyday for healthy bones and teeth.
Examples of alternative sources of calcium are
freshwater shrimp, anchovy, shore crab, mungbean, jute leaves, horseradish
leaves, sardines, and dried fish.
So to keep up with your body processes and not
compromise your bones, eat and drink calcium-rich foods everyday!
For more information on food and nutrition,
contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana,
Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and
Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Tel/Fax Num: 8372934 and 8373164; email:
mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website:
http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph.; FNRI Facebook page: facebook.com/FNRI-DOST; FNRI
Twitter account: twitter.com/FNRI-DOST. (FNRI-DOST S&T Media
Service/PIA-Caraga)
News Feature: Hypertension and diabetes greatly
increase risk to cardiovascular disease
By Dr. Imelda A. Agdeppa
Hypertension or high blood pressure, as defined by
the Eighth Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and
Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 8, 2013), is blood pressure greater than
or equal to 140/90 for persons 60 years old and below and 150/90 for those 60
years old and above.
Known as the “silent killer” because of the lack
of warning signs or symptoms, many people do not realize they are already
hypertensive.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO,
2013), nearly one billion people globally have high blood pressure, two thirds
of whom are in developing countries.
Hypertension is also one of the top causes of
premature deaths worldwide and the problem is growing.
In 2025, an estimated 1.56 billion adults will be
living with hypertension, the WHO (2011) warned.
In the 8th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) of the
Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and
Technology (FNRI-DOST) in 2013, the single visit blood pressure measurement
estimated that about 22.3 percent of Filipino adults were considered
hypertensive.
This is a meager decline from the 25.3%
hypertension rate in 2008, based on the 7th National Nutrition Survey also of
the FNRI.
The 2013 survey further revealed that the
prevalence of hypertension was highest among the 70 years old and above age
group at 43.4% and lowest among the 20-29 age group at 7.2%.
Males had a higher hypertension prevalence of
25.1% than females at 19.9% in every age group from 20-70 years old and above.
Hypertension tended to increase with wealth and
was slightly higher among rural dwellers at 19.0% - 24.8% compared with urban
residents at 20.0% - 23.4%.
Hypertension exerts significant comorbidity impact
on type 2 diabetes, thus leading to cardiovascular diseases.
According to the New England Journal of Medicine
(2000), type 2 diabetes is almost 2.5 times likely to occur in persons with
hypertension compared to those with normal blood pressure.
Diabetes mellitus, on the other hand, is a
metabolic disorder that results in hyperglycemia, characterized by high blood
glucose levels due to the inability of the bodyto produce enough insulin or is
ineffective in using the insulin it has produced by being resistant to it.
Type 1 diabetes is deficiency in insulin
production and requires daily administration of insulin.
The cause of type 1 diabetes is not known and it
is not preventable with current knowledge.
Meanwhile, type 2 diabetes results from the body’s
ineffective use of insulin and is largely the result of excess body weight and
physical inactivity.
In the Philippines, the 8th NNS revealed that
diabetes prevalence based on the standard set by the World Health Organization
(WHO), International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and Philippine Clinical Practice
Guidelines (PCPG) was 5.4% in 2013.
This was remarkably higher than the 4.8%
prevalence in the 2008 7th NNS.
Based on high fasting blood glucose levels,
diabetes prevalence peaked at age 60-69 at 12.6%.
Among the rich population, diabetes prevalence was
6.4 – 8.1% while for urban residents it was 6.3%.
Hypertension among Filipino adults and the
escalation of diabetes prevalence rate bring cardiovascular complications.
Strong evidence exists that hypertension and
diabetes mostly coexist and serve to exacerbate each other.
High blood glucose levels in uncontrolled diabetes
causes injury to the body’s blood vessels, making it more prone to damage from
atherosclerosis and hypertension.
Also, both medical conditions worsen at
significant and disturbing levels the morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular
diseases.
Hypertension has long been recognized as a major
risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
Likewise, the American Diabetes Association and
American Heart Association (2014) jointly stated that diabetes is a prime risk
factor for cardiovascular disease.
Persons with diabetes increases the likelihood of
developing cardiovascular diseases by two to four times compared with
non-diabetics. Moreover, diabetics have two- to three-fold greater risk of
heart failure that causes heart attack without them even realizing it.
With hypertension’s and diabetes’s devastating
cycle of health impairment and cardiovascular threat, national health programs
targeting lifestyle habits and dietary practices should be effected in
combating these diseases continued alarming prevalence rates among Filipinos.
The latest nutritional guidelines for Filipinos
(NGF) developed by theTechnical Working Group (TWG) led by the FNRI is
addressing this issue. The latest nutritional guidelines for Filipinos’
messages emphasize and recommend useful and easy-to-follow solutions in
battling the rise of non-communicable diseases.
The guidelines include eating more fruits,
vegetables, and root crops; avoiding excessive salt intake; maintaining a
healthy body weight; exercising regularly; and minimizing smoking and drinking
alcoholic beverages which all can lead to a healthy lifestyle and better
nutriture.
By being more aware of what we do and what we eat,
health and nutrition problems can be eagerly prevented.
For more information on food and nutrition,
contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana,
Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and
Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Telephone/ Fax Nos:
837-2934 or 837-3164; Direct Line:839-1839; DOST Trunk Line: 837-2071-82 local
2296 or 2284; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.phor at mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST
website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph.
Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/FNRI.DOSTor follow our Twitter
account at twitter.com/FNRI_DOST. (FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)
News Feature: ls rice to be blamed for rising
diabetes?
By Charina A. Javier
Rice consumption and diabetes was the topic of
debate in the recently concluded Asia-Pacific conference in clinical Nutrition
(APCCN) in Kuala Lumpur' Malaysia on January 26-29, 2015.
Two clinical nutrition experts served as opposing
speakers of the debate'
Yes, it is
Dr. Christiani Jeyakumar Henry from the United
Kingdom presented the arguments that link white rice consumption to the rising
prevalence of diabetes, particularly that Asia is the epicenter of Type 2
Diabetes (T2D)'
He also said that the Asian phenotype or body
composition predisposes them to T2D. He then discussed several studies on the
high glycemic response of white rice that contributes to T2D. Glycemic response
is the change in blood glucose after consuming a carbohydrate-rich food.
No, its not rice alone
Dr. Shigeru Yamamoto from Japan presented opposite
arguments saying that even though rice consumption has dramatically decreased,
diabetes prevalence is still rising, specifically in their country.
Dr. Yamamoto said that rice cannot be blamed as
long as everything is consumed in moderation. lt is the amount of rice that may
need monitoring, Yamamoto further reiterated.
The high glycemic index of white rice came from
the results of studies on post-prandial glucose or after-meal blood glucose
response using a single food.
However, in daily life, people do not eat a single
food but in combination with something else.
Moreover, Dr. Yamamoto said that the prevalence of
obesity in Japan is low despite high carbohydrate intake and they have the
highest life expectancy in the world.
Dr. Henry rebutted that Japan's rice consumption
is different from other Asians in the sense that while Japanese eat rice, the
amount is nothing compared to how much more their neighboring countries do.
The Philippine scenario
In the Philippines, the 8th National Nutrition
Survey (NNS) of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of
Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) in 2013 showed that the individual rice
consumption was 298 grams or about 1.5 cups daily.
Rice consumption in2013 was lower than the 2008
NNS which was 3'17 grams or a little more than 1.5 cups daily.
Moreover, diabetes prevalence at the national
level based on a cut-off of 126 milligrams per deciliter is 5.1 percent in the
2013 NNS.
Diabetes prevalence in 2013 was higher than the
2008 prevalence at 4.8 percent. This trend was similar to what is being
observed in Japan.
Promoting brown rice
Going back to the topic of debate: Is rice
consumption causing the rise of diabetes in Asia?
In the end, Drs. Henry and Yamamoto concluded that
the rising prevalence of diabetes cannot be blamed on a single food. lt is not
rice per se that is the issue' but the kind and amount of rice, they further
emphasized.
The FNRI-DOST has been promoting the consumption
of brown rice, the kind that ts minimally processed, with its bran still
intact'
Unlike white rice, which is almost purely
carbohydrate, brown rice still contains dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals.
In a previous study by Dr. Trinidad p. Trinidad,
former Scientist ll at the FNRI-DOST' brown rice has a row glycemic index (GI)
of 50 compared to white rice at 75. Dietary fiber content of brown rice also
helps make one feel full longer with lesser intake"
These findings support the promotion of brown rice
in diabetes management.
The FNRI developed various recipes and food
products using brown rice to promote its consumption.
As what experts have said, it is not rice per se
but the kind and amount of rice that is important in preventing diabetes and
other lifestyle-related diseases'
Choose brown rice and refuse "unli"
rice”.
For more information on food and nutrition,
contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana,
Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and
Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Telephone/ Fax Nos:
837-2934 or 837-3164; Direct Line:839-1839; DOST Trunk Line: 837-2071-82 local
2296 or 2284; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.phor at mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST
website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph.
Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/FNRI.DOSTor follow our Twitter
account at twitter.com/FNRI_DOST. (FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)
SurSur TESDA all set for ‘NATCAC’
By Greg Tataro Jr.
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, July 31 (PIA) – The
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) here is again set
for the conduct of National TVET Competency Assessment and Certification
(NATCAC) come August 2015.
According to Rey Cueva, TESDA provincial director,
this aims to promote, expand, enhance, and upgrade various areas of
competencies “in identified key qualifications that are critical, hard to find
and with high industry demand.”
Some 253 applicants are slated to undergo free
assessment and certification in seven TESDA-accredited training institutions
province-wide, it was learned.
The TESDA chief broke it down as follows: 23 and
20 for Computer Systems Servicing NC II and Cookery NC II, respectively, at Andres
Soriano College; 20 for Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II at Access
for Youth and Employment Center; 20 for Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC II at
Gaspar Rodriguez Education and Training Center, Inc; 40 for Driving NC II and
25 for Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) Rigid On-Highway NC II, respectively, at
Jobs Through Tec-Voc Program Provincial Skills Training Training Center; 30 for
Food and Beverage Services NC II at Surigao del Sur State Universtity-Cantilan
Campus; 20 for Electric Poer Distribution Line Construction NC II at SURSECO I
Training Center; and lastly, 30 for Beauty Care Services NC II and 25 for
Cookery NC II, respectively, at Tabon M. Estrella National High School.
The NATCAC is a synchronized undertaking that such
is not only going to take place in the provinces of CARAGA Region but all
across the country, Cueva explained.
Schedule has to fall within May, August, and
November for the first, second, and third batch, respectively, as set by the
regional and provincial offices, except in some unavoidable circumstances, like
the NATCAC for Driving NC II here that has to be conducted on July 31, both in
Tandag City and Bislig City, adding however that all the rest will stay as set.
Cueva expressed great pride that TESDA Director General
Joel Villanueva has always made NATCAC a priority. (NGBT/Radyo ng
Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
Iron Fortified rice soon to hit Mindanao market
By Abbie L. Padrones
MANILA, July 31 (PIA) - The Food and Nutrition
Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST) is
the lead government agency in food fortification, particularly rice
fortification. The FNRI-DOST recently developed iron fortified rice (IFR) and
extruded iron rice premix (IRP).
The FNRI has been perfecting the extrusion of IRP,
an essential component in iron fortified rice.
An iron fortificant is added to ordinary rice to
combat iron deficiency anemia (IDA), which still affects vulnerable population
groups like pregnant and lactating women, including children.
Currently, the Institute is innovating the IRP
where multiple micronutrients are incorporated in addition to iron.
One of the challenges faced by the FNRI is
transferring the technologies to adoptors who will eventually produce and
market them.
Years of research spent in developing a prototype
becomes gratifying once the product is made available in the market and the
demand for it is sustained.
One such gratification is that extruded IRP and
IFR are already available in selected retail stores in Metro Manila, Bataan,
and Zambales.
Negotiations with Racky Doctor of Nutridense Foods
are ongoing for the technology transfer of IRP and IFR in Santa Barbara,
Pangasinan.
On the other hand, Mr. Gaspar Lorono, of Lorono
Rice Mill in Compostela Valley has already fabricated a blending machine with a
capacity of 64 sacks daily, which will be used in the production of IFR after
it is calibrated.
Furthermore, CLG Health Foods, Incorporated of Mr.
Marbil Go from General Santos City has signified interest in the
commercialization of IRP in Mindanao.
Go’s company is purchasing a complete extruder
line which has a capacity of producing 100-120kilos of IRP hourly.
Mr. Go is also supplier of the existing coated
iron rice premix and has decided to shift to the improved extruded IRP
developed by the institute.
The FNRI, in partnership with DOST Regions XI and
XII, other government agencies, and the technology adaptors, is aiming for the
commercialization of the extruded IRP and IFR in Mindanao within the second quarter
of 2015.
Wider availability of the extruded IRP and IFR
will benefit consumers and will be a great step in eradicating IDA in the
country.
Initial activities were conducted by the FNRI for
the commercialization of IFR and extruded IRP in Mindanao spearheaded by Dr.
Imelda A. Agdeppa, Assistant Scientist, and Ms. Marcela C. Saises, Senior
Science Research Specialist.
The activities include awareness seminars for
consumers, rice millers, traders, retailers, and food establishments in Davao
City, Digos City, Compostela Valley, Tagum City, Mati City, Tacurong, and
General Santos City.
Other activities were dialogues with local
government units, health centers, and other government agencies, as well as
meetings with local fabricators, prospective adaptors and the IFR monitoring
task force.
The group observed increased awareness on the use
and benefits of IRP and IFR.
Consumers, stakeholders and government units are
now more receptive to the commercialization of the extruded IRP and IFR in the
area.
The major players for the commercialization of the
IRP and IFR in Regions XI and XII are being mobilized and the market is ripe
for the commercialization of extruded IRP and IFR.
Hopefully, sustainability of extruded IRP and IFR
in Mindanao will be achieved with the help of social marketing, strong
political will, a vigilant monitoring task force,consumer patronage and quality
supply of extruded IRP and IFR.
For more information on food and nutrition,
contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana,
Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and
Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Tel/Fax Num: 8372934 and 8373164; email:
mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph, mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST website:
http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph.; FNRI Facebook page: facebook.com/FNRI-DOST; FNRI
Twitter account: twitter.com/FNRI-DOST. (FNRI-DOST S&T Media
Service/PIA-Caraga)
DA-13 turns over P1.179 M worth of livestock to
Surigao Norte farmers
By Fretcher Magatao
BUTUAN CITY, July 31 (PIA) - The Department of
Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Unit 13 recently turned-over 15 native
chickens, 25 carabaos, four cattles, 26 goats and five swine amounting to
P1.179 million to the 19 farmer individuals and three farmer associations of
the province of Surigao del Norte.
“This dispersal program of DA truly helps us
traditional farmers in our daily farming activities. Entrusting these animals
surely motivate us to do better,” said Jerson Calamba, farmer-beneficiary from
Socorro, Surigao del Norte.
Meanwhile, Gov. Sol Matugas said that DA 13 has
been their partner "in helping the farmers and achieving food sufficiency
not only in our province, but also to the whole region."
She added that the animal dispersal program is
geared towards sustainable increase in livestock and poultry production and
productivity in the province.
“Beneficiaries must be responsible in raising
these animals in order to sustain the program and produce another batch of like
beneficiaries in the future,” said provincial veterinarian Dr. Life Shiela
Laugo.
Recipients were coming from the different
municipalities of the province including the farmers from the island
municipalities of Siargao and Socorro.
The turn-over ceremony was spearheaded by the
officials from DA-13 headed by Dr. Joey Ronquillo and Gov. Matugas assisted by
Vice Governor Arturo Carlos Egay, provincial board members, and municipal
agriculturists. (DA-13/PIA-Caraga)
