1.1.2. Basic Tools in Nutrition

Philippine Dietary Reference Intakes (PDRI)

A nutrient-based recommendation and a collective term that serves as the starting point of food-based dietary guides. It consists 4 reference values for nutrient intakes.

Estimated Average Requirement (EAR)

Daily nutrient intake level that meets the median or average requirement of healthy individuals in particular life stage and sex group, corrected for incomplete utilization or dietary nutrient bioavailability.

Recommended Energy/Nutrient Intake (RENI)

Level of intake of energy or nutrient which is considered adequate for the maintenance of health and well-being of healthy persons in the population.

Adequate Intake (AI)

Daily nutrient intake level that is based on observed or experimentally-determined approximation of the average nutrient intake by a group (or groups) of apparently healthy people that are assumed to sustain a defined nutritional state.

Tolerable Upper Intake Level or Upper Limit (UL)

Highest average daily nutrient intake level likely to pose no adverse health effects to almost all individuals in the general population.

Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR)

The range of intakes for a particular energy source that is associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases while providing adequate intakes of essential nutrients.

Estimated Average Requirement (EAR)

In evaluating an individual’s diet using the PDRI, which reference value should be used to assess whether nutrient intake is adequate?

Recommended Energy/Nutrient Intake (RENI)

In the PDRI, which reference value is used when planning or developing a meal plan?

55 - 75%

According to the PDRI, what is the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) for carbohydrates among adults?

10 - 15%

According to the PDRI, what is the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) for protein among adults?

15 - 30%

According to the PDRI, what is the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) for fat among adults?

Nutritional Guidelines

These are simple statements that offer advice on food consumption, good food choices and healthy life style to address public health concerns.

Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF)

It aims to increase knowledge and educate the population on proper health and nutrition, which in turn, will motivate them to consume adequate and balanced diet, including the promotion of desirable food and nutrition practices in relation to health.

Message 1

Eat a variety of foods everyday to get the nutrients needed by the body.

Message 2

Breastfeed infants exclusively from birth up to six months and then give appropriate complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding for two years and beyond for optimum growth and development.

Message 3

Eat more vegetables and fruits to get the essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber for regulation of body processes.

Message 4

Consume fish, lean meat, poultry, egg, dried beans or nuts daily for growth and repair of body tissues.

Message 5

Consume milk, milk products, and other calcium-rich food such as small fish and shellfish, everyday for healthy bones and teeth.

Message 6

Consume safe foods and water to prevent diarrhea and other food- and water-borne diseases.

Message 7

Use iodized salt to prevent Iodine Deficiency Disorders.

Message 8

Limit intake of salty, fried, fatty, and sugar-rich foods to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Message 9

Attain normal body weight through proper diet and moderate physical activity to maintain good health and help prevent obesity.

Message 10

Be physically active, make healthy food choices, manage stress, avoid alcoholic beverage, and do not smoke to help prevent lifestyle-related non-communicable disease.

Daily Nutritional Guide Pyramid

Originally developed in 1996 and revised in 2005, the this ranslates the qualitative recommendations of the 2000 NGF into quantitative terms. This is based on the Filipino dietary pattern that consists of rice and a viand or “ulam”, which is a combination of vegetables and fish or other animal protein sources.

7

How many DNG Pyramids are there?

Base / Bottom Layer

Which part of the DNG Pyramid is the widest and represents the food group that should be eaten in the greatest amount, such as rice, corn, bread, and cereals?

Narrow / Top Layer

Which part of the DNG Pyramid is the narrowest and represents the food group that should be eaten the least, such as fats, oils, and sugary foods?

Pinggang Pinoy

What food guide, developed and introduced in 2016, illustrates a plate divided into four sections and promotes eating a variety of foods in the right proportions per meal?

5

How many versions of Pinggang Pinoy are there?

Children (3 - 12 years old)

Which age group is indicated by this specific color of the Pinggang Pinoy?

Adolescents (13 - 18 years old)

Which age group is indicated by this specific color of the Pinggang Pinoy?

Adults (19 - 59 years old)

Which age group is indicated by this specific color of the Pinggang Pinoy?

Elderly (>60 years old)

Which age group is indicated by this specific color of the Pinggang Pinoy?

Pregnant and Lactating Women

Which group is indicated by this specific color of the Pinggang Pinoy?

Orange

Which color in Pinggang Pinoy evokes energy, vitality, cheer, excitement, warmth, and adventure and is associated with healthy food and appetite stimulation?

Blue

Which color in Pinggang Pinoy represents strength, dependability, and coolness, reflecting favorable qualities associated with adolescents?

Brown

Which color in Pinggang Pinoy represents the original placemat color, resembling the woven buri and symbolizing the Filipino Malay race?

Red

Which color in Pinggang Pinoy symbolizes energy, power, and courage and may stimulate appetite, which is commonly lacking among the elderly?

Green

Which color in Pinggang Pinoy is associated with nature and health and symbolizes new life, growth, and fertility?

Food Exchange List

What tool is used for the quick estimation of carbohydrate, protein, fat, and energy values for normal and therapeutic diets, facilitates meal planning with prescribed energy and nutrients, and can also be used to teach patients the principles of basic nutrition?

7

How many food groups are included in the Food Exchange List (FEL)?

2019

When was the latest edition of the Food Exchange List (FEL) published?

4th

What is the edition number of the latest Food Exchange List (FEL)?

Philippine Food Composition Table (PhilFCT)

What reference provides information on the nutrient composition of foods per 100-gram edible portion and is used for food selection, nutrient calculation, and planning therapeutic diets?