PHILIPPINES - In January 1999, the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Philippines released the results from their survey on the nutritional and health status of the Filipino population. The survey found that iron, calcium, vitamin B complex and vitamin C were deficient in the average Filipino diet. In addition, fat intakes were low with nutritionists raising the need for higher intakes of essential fatty acids.

UNITED STATES - The American Heart Association has urged doctors to begin screening high-risk patients with a personal or family history of heart disease for elevated homocysteine levels. The advice follows numerous studies, including the 14-year study at the Harvard School of Public Health involving 80,000 women, which have concluded that high homocysteine levels play a role in heart disease. One of the factors influencing homocysteine is a low dietary intake of folate, found in cereals, fruits and vegetables.

UNITED STATES - A study of 7,800 American men published in The Lancet has reported that eating chocolate and sweets regularly may help longevity. The study was part of the Harvard Alumni Health Study which questioned the men on a variety of lifestyle factors. Those who lived the longest ate sweets and chocolate between one and three times a month. This group lived, on average, a year longer than participants who never ate chocolates or sweets. Although the reason for these findings is unclear, the researchers suggested that either the antioxidants in chocolate and/or some other dietary factor which has not yet be identified, may be responsible.

UNITED KINGDOM - A commission of experts in the United Kingdom has drafted a new Code of Practice for the labelling of functional foods. The code provides guidelines for manufacturers who wish to make health claims about products with specific health benefits.