Anemia remains a widespread health concern in the country, affecting millions across different age groups, according to the latest National Nutrition Survey by the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute.
The survey found that 17.2 percent of Filipinos aged 60 and above suffer from anemia, a condition caused by a deficiency of red blood cells needed to carry oxygen throughout the body.
Among adults aged 20 to 59, the prevalence of anemia is eight percent, while 5.8 percent of teenagers aged 10 to 19 and 5.4 percent of children aged 5 to 10 are also affected.
In women of reproductive age, 10.9 percent of non-pregnant, non-lactating women, 21.8 percent of pregnant women, and 11.2 percent of lactating mothers experience anemia.
The survey also showed that 11.4 percent of children under five years old have the condition.
According to the World Health Organization, anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, and irregular heartbeat, affecting daily productivity and quality of life.
If left untreated, anemia can lead to more severe health issues, including complications in pregnancy, developmental delays in children, and an increased risk of infections.
Iron Deficiency Anemia is the most common type, resulting from inadequate iron intake, which is necessary for producing hemoglobin, the protein that enables red blood cells to transport oxygen.
To combat anemia, health experts recommend consuming iron-rich foods such as red meat, liver, seafood, poultry, dark green leafy vegetables, and iron-fortified products.
In response to the ongoing anemia problem, the DOST-FNRI has developed Iron Rice Premix and Iron-Fortified Rice to help improve iron intake among Filipinos.
IRP is made by blending rice flour with iron and is mixed with regular rice to create IFR, which can be cooked like ordinary rice without altering taste, texture, or aroma.