Melvin E. Bernardino | Charisse Anne R. Macalalad | Beatrix Inah Mercado
According to World Health Organization (2015), malnutrition is a prevalent public health issue worldwide, predominantly among elders. With this, the study aims to assess the nutritional status of the elders residing in Barangay 655, Intramuros, Manila and their dietary pattern, to calculate and compare for the macronutrient component of their food intake with the recommended intake designed by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Philippines (FNRI) and the relationship between Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) score to the total consumption of each macronutrient component of the food. Lastly, to create food-based dietary guidelines for the elders. MNA was used to determine their nutritional status and estimated food record and FFQ was used to determine their food intake. The results showed that the elders residing in the barangay are mostly at risk of malnutrition and malnourished individuals. Food intakes are found to be inadequate. Nutritional status has a positive -moderate relationship to carbohydrates, positive but weak relationship to protein and negative and weak relationship to fats. Low carbohydrate intake is the main cause of malnutrition among the elders in the barangay. Based on the findings of the current study, the researchers produced dietary guidelines that will help improve their nutritional status.