Viral infections, which can be traced to weak immune systems, have been
identified as a major cause of serious diseases among Filipino children below
14 years old and are thus now considered a growing health menace, a recent
clinical study on the subject revealed.
Strengthening immunity is a must
“Among the known factors that influence the
strength of the immune system is malnutrition. And the relationship between
macro- and micronutrient deficiencies and immunity has been clearly
established,” according to the study jointly conducted by the School of
Nutrition of the Philippine Women’s University, the Clinical Nutrition Services
of St. Luke’s Medical Center and the School of Statistics of the University of
the Philippines-Diliman.
Practical immune booster
The study checked the possible effects of canned
pineapples as a practical and easily available immunity booster through a
nine-week randomized, controlled
trial on 98 elementary school children in Paco, Manila who were divided
into three groups.
Two of the three groups of children were given
canned Del Monte Pineapple Tidbits for nine weeks, after which the researchers
checked the effects of regular pineapple consumption on various immune markers
as well as the children’s nutritional status and physical health. The third
group served as the control group and was not given any canned pineapples.
Increase in granulocytes
The trial results showed
a decrease in the incidence of viral and bacterial infections in two of the
groups after regular consumption of canned pineapples.
Results suggest that
intake of both one 140g serving and two servings (280g) of Del Monte Pineapple
Tidbits may shorten the duration and incidence of infection and may increase
the production of granulocytes, with intake of two servings (280g) demonstrating
higher granulocyte production.
Granulocytes make up 60% of the white blood cells
and help the body
fight infection such as bacteria, viruses and other
parasites. They contain granules of enzymes that help kill the invading
microbes.
The third group that served
as the control group did not show any increase in granulocyte production.
A chance to improve the health of millions of
children
Asked to comment on the
study, Ma. Bella Javier, Chief Scientific Officer of Del Monte Philippines, remarked, “We wish
to commend the research team for its findings because the importance of having
strong immunity, especially among our youth, cannot be understated.”
“We fervently hope that
the study will encourage the public to explore simple, scientifically proven
ways to improve immunity among young people because this will go a long way
towards improving the overall health of millions of Filipino children.”
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About Del Monte Philippines
Del
Monte Philippines, Inc. (DMPI) is a leading producer of pineapple and other
food products.
The
company markets over 100 processed food and beverage variants, including
pineapple solids (slices, tidbits, chunks), tropical mixes, pineapple juice and
mixed drinks, tomato-based products (tomato sauce, catsup, spaghetti sauce),
condiments, and pasta (spaghetti, macaroni).
Today,
Del Monte Philippines operates the largest integrated pineapple operation in
the world. The company grows pineapple across 20,000 hectares in Bukidnon and
Misamis Oriental. Two distinct pineapple varieties are grown, for processing
and for fresh fruit export.
