Existence of double burden of malnutrition among Filipino children in the same age-groups and comparison of their usual nutrient intake

ABSTRACT

@#Introduction: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of underweight and overweight children in the same age-groups and if differences existed in their usual nutrients intake. Methods: Data were obtained from 8992 children aged 3-12 years who participated in 2013 National Nutrition Survey. Dietary intake information was collected using two days non-consecutive dietary recall. Usual intakes and distributions of energy and nutrients were estimated in pre-schoolers (3-5 years, n=2427), younger (6-9 years, n=3594) and older schoolchildren (10-12 years, n=2971) using PC Software for Intake Distribution Estimation (PC-SIDE) from Iowa State University. Energy inadequacy was assessed by the Estimated Energy Requirements (EER) method calculated using the equation of Institute of Medicine. The prevalence of nutrient inadequacy was estimated as the proportion of individuals with usual food intakes below the estimated average requirement (EAR). Results: The prevalence of underweight among preschool, younger and older schoolchildren was 22%, 30% and 16%, respectively, and 4%, 9% and 10%, respectively, among overweight. The average usual energy and nutrient intake of underweight was significantly lower than overweight. The major source of energy of underweight and overweight was from carbohydrates. However, contribution of fats to total energy was higher among overweight. Most nutrients were below EAR in underweight while only folate (50-79%) and calcium (58-84%) in overweight. Conclusion: The double burden of malnutrition co-exists in children of the same age-groups with higher prevalence nutrient inadequacies in underweight children. Percentage of fat contribution to energy intake was higher among overweight than the underweight.