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Processed snacks and baked goods predict inflammation risk in Filipino schoolchildren
Prevalence of childhood obesity and diabetes in the Philippines
This research investigates the rising prevalence of childhood obesity and diabetes in the Philippines, focusing on the dietary habits of kindergarten and first-grade students in Metro Manila. A total of 166 apparently healthy children participated in the study, where their serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured to assess inflammation. Dietary intake was evaluated through two non-consecutive 24-hour recalls provided by mothers or caretakers. The study employed the multiple source method (MSM) to estimate usual food intake. The findings reveal that certain food categories significantly contribute to inflammation, even after adjusting for variables such as mothers’ education, child’s sex, and BMI-for-age. Specifically, highly processed foods like Processed Rice, Cereal, and Starch Products (p = 0.037, 95% CI 1.001, 1.021), Commercial Baked Products (p = 0.005, 95% CI 1.005, 1.027), and Processed and Preserved Fruits and Vegetables (p = 0.044, 95% CI 1.000, 1.034) were identified as predictors of inflammation. In contrast, the consumption of minimally processed foods did not show a significant association with inflammation. Alarmingly, the intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, and milk was minimal among the children studied. The results indicate a pressing need for interventions aimed at enhancing the dietary quality of Filipino children.
Year: 2025
