Most Filipinos suffer from calcium deficiency, DOST experts alarmed

About 97.2% of Filipinos aged 19 to 59 years old and 95.5% of those aged 60 and above are calcium deficient, according to the Department of Science and Technology's Food and Nutrition Research Institute's (DOST-NRFI) 2021 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNIS).

With majority of Filipinos deficient in calcium, the threat of osteoporosis looms — a reality that DOST experts have found alarming.

In an interview on "Unang Hirit's" "Unang Balita" segment, Tuesday, newscaster Mariz Umali spoke with DOST-NRFI senior science research specialist Josie Gonzales, who shared that calcium deficiency contributes to weakened bones.

"Kung calcium deficient po tayo, ang problema po magiging brittle o magiging malutong ang ating mga buto kaya madali po tayong mababalian," she said.

[If we are calcium deficient, the problem is our bones would become brittle and break easily]

While milk is a good source of calcium, Gonzales added there are other calcium-rich alternatives available. These include malunggay, kangkong, camote tops, and other leafy greens, as well as small fish like dilis and sardines, which are suitable for those with lactose intolerance. 

Aside from consuming calcium-rich food, one must also make it a habit to get some sun exposure to help the body absorb calcium. Eating a balanced diet and avoiding smoking are also key.

Coffee lovers might also want to think twice when it comes to their caffeine consumption. According to Gonzales, too much caffeine can affect the way the body absorbs calcium.

"'Yung caffeine po, pipigilan niya po ang gamit ng calcium sa katawan natin kahit kumakain ka ng [pagkain na] mataas ang calcium, kapag meron ka ring caffeine na mataas din sa katawan mo, hindi niya magagamit nang maayos 'yung calcium. Kaya may deficiency," she told Umali.

[Caffeine inhibits the body's absorption of calcium, so even if you eat calcium-rich food but consume high amounts of caffeine, your body would have a hard time absorbing calcium, which causes the deficiency]

According to WebMD, people with osteoporosis, should not drink more than 3 cups of coffee a day.

"If you are generally healthy and get enough calcium from your food or supplements, drinking about 4 cups of coffee daily doesn't seem to increase the risk of getting osteoporosis," it added.

— Cody Cepeda/LA, GMA Integrated News