CALOOCAN CITY, Sept. 19 (PIA) --Knowing that good nutrition is a vital part of good health and with no proven vaccine yet, the best arm to fight the on-going pandemic wrought by COVID-19, the Parañaque City Nutrition Office goes on a worthwhile journey when it recently launched “Project COVID-19: Nutrition Journey”.
The Project aims to boost the immune system of the patients and staff of the different isolation facilities in the city by providing delicious and nutritious breakfast for 30 days.
Guided by the Department of Health Memorandum No. 2020-0166 on the “Interim Guidelines on the Preparation and Handling of Food in Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facilities for COVID-19 Patients”, the city nutritionist-dietitians (NDs) supervise the preparation, portioning to ensure proper serving size and packaging of food to be given to patients.
The 3-week cycle menu was carefully planned to ensure that patients are provided with adequate nutrition to help boost their immune system. Food items are also given based on the patients’ dietary needs.
Based on the DOH Memorandum, COVID-19 patients should be provided with food items that are high in the following nutrients: Vitamin C to help boost the immune system; Vitamin A and Beta-carotene – for good vision, promotes growth and development, and protects epithelium and mucus integrity in the body, it has also has an anti-inflammatory effect a powerful antioxidant which can help fight viruses and infections; Vitamin D regulates the absorption of calcium and phosphorus and facilitates normal immune system function; B-vitamins especially B6 which is essential for growth, immune function, and other aspects of metabolism and B12 for the normal functioning of nerves, bone marrow, and gastrointestinal tract; Folate to helps make and repair DNA; , Zinc keeps the immune system strong (e.g. helps fight viruses), helps heal wounds, and supports normal growth; Protein-helps prevent muscle deterioration and regulates the body’s immune response to viral infection and Fat such as omega-3 fatty acids to support a healthy immune system and defend against inflammatory disorders.
Aside from the provision of balanced and complete breakfast meals, patients were also given IEC materials on proper nutrition and food safety during the pandemic. They were also given vitamin A supplementation.
The Nutritionists Dietitian-in-Charge made sure that patients were provided with ample servings complete with fruit. Food safety guidelines are also observed during preparations up to delivery to the isolation facilities. (NNC-NCR/PIA-NCR)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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