Nutrient Intakes of School-Age Children in Selected Schools in Davao City, Philippines

Abstract

Adequate nutrition during childhood is vital for proper growth and development. However, nutrient intakes of Filipino school-age children are shown to be inadequate. This study assessed the nutrient intakes among school-age children from districts with the highest malnutrition rate in Davao City, Philippines. Using 3-day food records, dietary intake data were collected from a representative sample of 165 schoolchildren (aged 10-12 years) from six public schools in Poblacion, Paquibato, and Marilog districts. The nutrient intakes were calculated from the indicated food quantities, and the USDA food composition table was used as the primary database. These were compared with the 2015 Philippine Dietary Reference Intake values. Intake of total energy (102.56%), protein (165.11%), and some micronutrients reached the required amounts. On the other hand, inadequacies in several nutrients were identified: lipid intake was 49.01% of the recommended level, carbohydrate at 91.68%, dietary fiber at 53.16%, vitamin C at 54.98%, folate at 67.69%, vitamin E at 43.48%, vitamin D (IU) at 89.20%, calcium at 48.93%, and iron at 53.70%. Excess intakes of sodium (683.07%) and vitamin B12 (520.74%) were also reported. These findings suggest the need for targeted intervention programs that address nutrient inadequacies among Filipino school-age children.