The Impact of Urbanization on Vitamin C Intake Among Filipinos: A Nutritional Analysis

The Filipino diet is changing dramatically all thanks to the Philippines’ fast urbanization. With more people moving to cities in search of better opportunities, they’re leaving behind traditional diets for modern food choices. And often, these are lacking in essential nutrients. This is a change that is negatively impacting the intake of vitamin C (a.k.a. L-Ascorbic acid), an important nutrient for immune function, skin health, and antioxidant protection. 

In fact, in 2018, a study showed that 96% of Filipino adults had below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) of this nutrient. So throughout this article, we will dive into how urbanization affects ascorbic consumption among Filipinos. We will explore the dietary changes, nutritional gaps, and public health issues that arise from this trend.

Understanding Urbanization

Definition and Trends

Urbanization involves changing of population from rural areas to the cities. This usually results in an urban expansion. In the Philippines alone, urbanization has grown fast in the recent decades. In 2020, about 47% of Filipinos lived in urban areas, and this number is expected to increase. This rapid growth changes lifestyles and consumption patterns, which can affect nutritional health.

Socioeconomic Factors

Economic development often drives people to move from rural to urban areas. These are individuals who are usually in search of better jobs and living standards. That being said, this move also changes dietary habits, with urban dwellers potentially having less time for meal preparation and choosing convenience over nutrition. Often than not, it leads to more consumption of processed foods. Meals that are high in calories but low in essential nutrients.

Dietary Changes Due to Urbanization

Shift from Traditional Diets

Traditional Filipino diets were rich in fruits and vegetables, providing essential vitamins and minerals. However, urbanization has led to a decline in the consumption of these healthy foods. Recent data show that people now eat an average of only 54 grams of fruit per day, down from 104 grams in 1978. 

This change can be attributed to the increased availability of supermarkets and fast-food chains. Since they are convenient and make processed foods more appealing, more people are likely to buy. Urban residents often prefer quick meals, leading to a reliance on fast food and pre-packaged snacks. Typically, these are low in vitamins.

Influence of Fast Food Culture

Fast food chains offer convenient meals that are often high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium, but lack essential nutrients like ascorbic. The convenience and affordability of these options make them attractive to busy urban families. 

Research indicates that increased fast food consumption is linked to lower nutrient intake among city residents. Studies have also found that many Filipinos consume less than half of the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables. This raises concerns about the long-term health implications of relying on processed foods.

Vitamin C Intake Among Filipinos

Current Consumption Levels

The decline in fruit and vegetable consumption has led to widespread vitamin deficiency among Filipinos. Studies suggest that 68% to 96% of individuals do not meet their recommended daily intake of ascorbic. This inadequacy is particularly noticeable among children and adolescents, who may lack access to fresh produce due to socioeconomic factors. This may also be caused by dietary preferences influenced by urban living. 

Lower-income families often struggle more with this deficiency due to limited access to nutritious foods. As for higher-income households, they may still fall short due to lifestyle choices favoring convenience over nutrition.

Nutritional Deficiencies and Health Implications

Insufficient intake of this vitamin can have serious health consequences. As stated earlier, this nutrient is vital for collagen synthesis, immune system support, and antioxidant protection. In relation to that, deficiencies can increase susceptibility to infections, slow wound healing, and lead to conditions like scurvy (characterized by fatigue, gum inflammation, and joint pain). 

On top of this, public health experts caution that widespread vitamin inadequacy could contribute to a rise in diet-related diseases among Filipinos. Urban populations face both undernutrition (in terms of micronutrients) and overnutrition (in terms of caloric intake).

The Double Burden of Malnutrition

Overview of Malnutrition in Urban Areas

The Philippines is dealing with a “double burden” of malnutrition. So what does this mean? It means that undernutrition occurs alongside increasing rates of obesity and chronic diseases related to diet. Like diabetes and hypertension, for instance. This issue is particularly noticeable in urban areas, where differences in socioeconomic status worsen nutritional problems. 

Some city dwellers face obesity because they eat a lot of high-calorie, processed foods. As for others, especially those with lower incomes, they may experience stunted growth or lack essential micronutrients. This is all due to not having enough access to nutritious food.

Socioeconomic Disparities in Nutritional Status

People’s social standing, and how much they earn, greatly affects what they choose to eat. Families with limited funds often focus on buying the most affordable food, even if it’s not the healthiest. 

Fresh fruits and vegetables can cost more than processed foods, so many low-income families choose cheaper options with more calories and barely any nutrients. Also, different urban neighborhoods have varying access to fresh produce, making it difficult for residents to get essential nutrients like ascorbic.

Public Health Challenges and Strategies

Addressing Nutritional Deficiencies

There are government efforts to improve access to fresh produce. Through community gardens or farmers’ markets, they can help connect urban residents with nutritious food. Nutrition educational programs can also increase awareness about why it’s important to eat fruits and vegetables for overall health. 

Teaching communities about healthy eating habits and providing resources for meal planning, encourage people to make better food choices.

Promoting Healthy Eating Habits 

Promoting healthy eating habits requires a variety of strategies involving local communities and governmental organizations. Schools can do this by starting with nutrition programs. They can teach children about healthy food choices and promote eating fruits and vegetables through school gardens or cooking classes. 

Lastly, community programs can empower residents by providing cooking workshops or nutrition seminars. Thus, highlighting the benefits of adding more fruits and vegetables to their diets.

Key Takeaway

Urbanization in the Philippines is associated with reduced intake of vitamin C, as diets transition more towards fast food. It has been observed that vitamin intake has been found to be lower in urban areas compared to rural places. This heightens public health concerns due to rising malnutrition in the country. 

Through collaborative efforts involving the government, various organizations, and local communities, it’s possible to improve nutrition for the modern Filipino. This can ultimately enhance the nation’s health, and reverse ascorbic deficiencies.