Inadequacies of a polished rice and fish diet and recommendations for its improvement in the Philippines

ABSTRACT

1. Rice constitutes the chief staple food of the Philippines. Several varieties of rice are consumed by the Filipinos. Studies by other workers have shown that the actual compositon of these varieties do not differ very much, but the methods of treatment cause considerable alteration in their composition. Biologically, several systems of classification have been proposed by several workers2. Polished rice is to a great extent used in the Philippines. Dietetically, several reasons are advanced to show the defects of polished rice3. The addition of fish to polished rice undoubtedly improves the protein, the fat, and to a slight extent, the fat soluble vitamin content yet the minerals, especially calcium and water soluble vitamins, particularly vitamin B are still deficient4. In supplementing a diet consisting of polished rice and fish, one has to take into consideration the social and economic conditions of the masses. The question of supply and distribution of food of right quality but cheaper in price should be considered also5. Suggestions for getting the people to supplement a diet consisting of polished rice and fish are (a) encouragement in the use of green leafy and yellow colored vegetables and fruits to supply the deficiency of vitamin A, B, calcium and iron; (b) promoting the use of pork and glandular organs to supply the deficiency of animal fat and vitamin B1 and minerals, especially iron; (c) encouraging the use of eggs whenever possible in order to supplement the low biologic value of rice protein and to furnish vitamin A, iron and phosphorus; (d) discouraging the use of white polished rice and recommending the use of under-milled rice or hand-pounded rice instead; (e) popularizing the use of mongo beans, soy-beans, and bean products as cheap sources of proteins; (f) explaining the advantage of fresh Philippine vegetables and fruits which are found rich in vitamin C. The feasibility of using powdered skimmed milk as a supplement to the diet of growing Filipino children, pregnant and lactating mothers, should be studied. Caution is surely needed here, since the handling of powdered milk in a totally sanitary manner is difficult. (Summary)