The Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) is eyeing to develop a mathematical optimization software to ensure low-cost and nutritionally adequate diets for Filipinos.
DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña said a study is being conducted by the DOST-FNRI to develop a software to come up with nutritious food mix for the Filipinos.
The DOST-FNRI study is titled, “Optimization of Low-Cost, Nutritionally Adequate Diets for Filipinos Using a Web-based Analysis Tool.”
“One of its specific objectives is to develop a mathematical optimization software to compute the amounts of locally available foods that must be consumed by an individual or a family that would meet the recommended energy and nutrient intakes (RENI) at the least cost,” de la Peña said during his weekly report on Friday, Nov. 5.
“Linear programming optimizes a certain objective function given certain restrictions or constraints in meeting the objective."
The FNRI serves as the lead government agency for food and nutrition research in the country.
De la Peña noted that the DOST-FNRI organized a three-part webinar series anchored on the theme, “Diet Optimization using Linear Programming with Applications in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).”
“This webinar series aimed to enhance the capacity of project staff on diet optimization through linear programming approach as well as to increase the awareness of potential end-users on the importance of this mathematical modelling technique in formulating healthy diets; planning, monitoring, and evaluating nutrition policies and programs; and transforming food systems.”
The DOST-FNRI logged a total of 1,695 registrants for the webinar series.