Micronutrient deficiency, often referred to as “hidden hunger,” continues to pose a significant public health challenge among Filipino women, particularly during pregnancy when nutritional demands increase.
According to the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), many expectant mothers lack the essential nutrients needed to support their own health and their babies’ development. The agency’s data shows that 90% of pregnant women are deficient in calcium, 70% have inadequate protein intake, 38% are deficient in folate, and 30% do not consume enough iron.
Health experts warn that these nutritional gaps can have lasting effects on both mothers and their children.
Maternal nutrition shapes a child’s future
Essential nutrients such as folate, calcium, iron, iodine, and vitamin A play a vital role in fetal brain development, physical growth, and overall health.
Insufficient maternal nutrition has been linked to impaired cognitive development, weaker immune systems, reduced learning capacity, and lower productivity later in life, making it not only a health concern but also a long-term social and economic issue.
The first 1,000 days matter most
Health advocates continue to emphasize the importance of the First 1,000 Days—the period from conception until a child’s second birthday—which is widely recognized as the most critical stage of growth and development.
During a recent Anmum event, a midwife highlighted that this period represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to positively influence a child’s development through proper maternal nutrition.
Once this window has passed, many of its developmental benefits cannot be fully recovered.
Raising awareness through ‘Strong from the Start’
To help address the issue, Anmum is promoting its Strong from the Start initiative, which aims to educate mothers and families about the importance of maternal nutrition during pregnancy and early childhood.
Roshan De Silva, President of Lactalis-Mainland Dairy, said the program aligns with the broader goal of giving Filipino children the healthiest possible start in life.
“We are aligned with the nation’s aspiration to help children have the best start,” De Silva said.
“Through Strong from the Start, we aim to educate about the importance of the First 1,000 Days. We empower mothers and support them to make informed decisions.”
Investing in future generations
Anmum emphasized that improving maternal nutrition benefits not only individual families but also the country’s future by helping children reach their full potential.
The company believes that well-informed mothers and healthier pregnancies contribute to raising a generation better equipped to learn, grow, and succeed.
As part of its ongoing efforts, Anmum plans to expand the Strong from the Start campaign by partnering with local government units (LGUs) and mothers’ communities to reach more women across different socioeconomic groups and increase awareness about the importance of proper nutrition during pregnancy.
Through these collaborations, the initiative aims to encourage collective action in protecting the critical First 1,000 Days and supporting healthier outcomes for future generations.
