17 Pinoy kids go blind everyday due to ‘VAD’

The Department of Health disclosed that about 17 Filipino children go blind everyday due to Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD).

"Lack of Vitamin A-rich foods in the diet is the main culprit in the staggering prevalence of VAD in our children," Health Secretary Manuel Dayrit said, adding that poor economic conditions and the lack of proper health information are preventing parents from providing their children with adequate nutrition.

Vitamin A, as a micronutrient, is essential in maintaining health, particularly for the eyes. When the eyes receive low levels of Vitamin A, the cornea will inevitably dry up, which may eventually lead to permanent blindness. This condition is called "xeropthalmia."

Other consequences of VAD include infections of the inner ear, respiratory and gastrointestinal tract. Tooth growth may also be abnormal because Vitamin A is needed to lay the foundation for enamel. Studies show that children deficient in Vitamin A also have a higher death rate.

Dayrit said the government is addressing the issue by working with the food industry for the fortification of commonly consumed food products.

According to Dayrit, food fortification is a process by which food products are enriched with the needed micronutrients like Vitamin A.

Bread (flour), salt, noodles, sardines, margarine and cooking oil are just some of the food products that can be fortified. Vitamin A is also present in yellow fruits as well as yellow and green leafy vegetables.

He stressed that food fortification will greatly ensure that children are given their daily doses of Vitamin A through the foods they eat.

"Fortified food products bear the Sangkap Pinoy seal. A stamp of the Sangkap Pinoy seal means that a product is enriched with micronutrients. It is advisable for parents to look for the seal every time they make their trip to the groceries or market," Dayrit said.