14/08/2025
8 Research-Backed Reasons Why Filipinos May Benefit from Vitamin & Mineral Supplements
As a physician practicing in the Philippines, Iโm often asked whether vitamin & mineral supplements are truly necessary. While nothing replaces a balanced diet, our unique nutritional challenges make a strong case for supplementation.
Hereโs why many Filipinos could benefit from them:
1. Widespread Micronutrient Deficiencies
The latest Expanded National Nutrition Survey (DOST-FNRI, 2018-2019) reveals alarming gaps:
โถ๏ธ Iron deficiency affects 20% of infants and 14% of pregnant women
โถ๏ธ Vitamin A deficiency impacts 15% of young children
โถ๏ธ Iodine deficiency persists in 7% of school-aged children
โถ๏ธ Vitamin D insufficiency affects up to 60% of adults in urban areas
2. Changing Filipino Diets Lack Key Nutrients
Our shift to processed foods and refined carbohydrates has reduced intake of essential vitamins. Traditional diets rich in whole foods are being replaced by:
โถ๏ธ Instant noodles (low in B vitamins)
โถ๏ธ White rice (stripped of nutrients)
โถ๏ธ Processed meats (lacking antioxidants)
3. High Stress Levels Deplete Nutrients
Filipinos face chronic stress from:
โถ๏ธ Long work hours (depletes B vitamins)
โถ๏ธ Traffic congestion (increases oxidative stress)
โถ๏ธ Financial pressures (raises cortisol, depleting magnesium)
4. Common Digestive Issues Reduce Absorption
Many Filipinos suffer from:
โถ๏ธ Helicobacter pylori infections (impairs B12 absorption)
โถ๏ธ Tropical sprue (reduces nutrient uptake)
โถ๏ธ Age-related digestive decline (common in our aging population)
5. Geographic Factors Affect Nutrition
Our tropical environment presents unique challenges:
โถ๏ธ Year-round sweating increases mineral loss
โถ๏ธ Limited sun exposure (due to indoor work) reduces vitamin D synthesis
โถ๏ธ Typhoon-related food shortages disrupt balanced diets
6. Special Population Needs
At-risk groups require extra support:
โถ๏ธ Pregnant women need additional folate and iron
โถ๏ธ Growing children require zinc and vitamin A
โถ๏ธ Senior citizens absorb nutrients less efficiently
7. Food Preparation Methods Reduce Nutrients
Common cooking practices like:
โถ๏ธ Overboiling vegetables (destroys vitamin C)
โถ๏ธ Peeling fruits (removes fiber and nutrients)
โถ๏ธ Repeated reheating (degrades B vitamins)
8. Prevention of Local Health Concerns
Proper supplementation may help address:
โถ๏ธ High rates of hypertension (magnesium helps)
โถ๏ธ Growing diabetes prevalence (chromium supports metabolism)
โถ๏ธ Tuberculosis recovery (vitamin D plays a role)
Practical Recommendations
For my patients, I suggest:
๐ Choosing moderate-dose vitamin & mineral supplements, depending on their deficiencies
๐ Taking it with meals for better absorption
๐ Getting annual blood tests to check for deficiencies
๐ Still prioritizing whole, local foods like malunggay, danggit, and camote.
Remember: Supplements complementโbut donโt replaceโa healthy lifestyle. Always consult your physician before starting any regimen.
Whatโs your experience with vitamin & mineral supplements? Have you noticed a difference in your energy or health? Share your thoughts below!
Sources: DOST-FNRI ENNS 2018-2019, Philippine Journal of Internal Medicine, PPS Nutrition Committee Guidelines
(This post is for educational purposes only and not medical advice.)
