With the goal of addressing the nutritional needs of Filipinos, European manufacturer Sole Pharma brings into the country a lineup of supplements and vitamins that will help contribute to the goals of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN).
Building on its previous version, the Philippine government developed the PPAN for 2023-2028 to address nutrition-related issues and improve the nutritional status of Filipinos. However, there seems to be a pervasive lack of awareness of the PPAN at the barangay level, where implementation takes place.
Although poverty is frequently attributed as the root cause of micro-nutrient deficiencies, another significant factor is the heavy reliance of Filipinos on rice and the insufficient variety in their food intake.
Micronutrient deficiency is a form of malnutrition that occurs when the body does not get enough vitamins and minerals, which can affect a person’s health and development. A SEARCA publication (2022) proposed biofortification to address micronutrient deficiencies, which became the basis for the establishment of PPAN. Along with this, observers also noted the lack of advanced international means of substituting natural vitamins, the lack of knowledge on healthy nutrition among the population, and the widespread dominance of supplements that are not officially registered in the country.
Recognizing the problem, Sole Pharma entered the Philippines last year after gaining FDA approval. The company is one of the leading pharmaceutical manufacturers in Europe with global recognition and more than 50 successful products sold in over 20 countries around the globe – Europe, North America, East Asia, and now expanding in the SEA region.
To date, Sole Pharma offers six of its most in-demand products that are now available in major pharmacies nationwide. The products were selected in response to the lack of certain vitamins among the local population. For one, Hepastrong AMINO is aimed at solving the problem of steatotic or fatty liver disease and helping it to excrete toxic ammonia from the body and enhance the detoxification process.
Immunity Glucan with an enhanced dosage of beta-glucan (250 mg) is one of the most powerful prebiotics and immune system protectors and is aimed to help lower the overall index of immunodeficiency among Filipinos.
Artroveron, a joint formula with omega-3, chondroitin, and other molecules necessary for the maintenance of joint functions, is now available for two vulnerable groups—the elderly, and those who have had corresponding injuries. It contributes to joint mobility and flexibility, restores synovial membrane, and reduces inflammatory processes.
Sole Pharma also brought in multivitamins for daily use that could lower the overall negative effects of anxiety, eye degeneration, low cognitive function, as well as mental exhaustion often faced by a majority of working professionals. Like Focumax, it combines antioxidants, lutein, zeaxanthin, and zinc to prevent the progression of eye degeneration. The supplement formula filters harmful blue light from mobile phones, TV, and computer screens and helps prevent eye disease.
Stressnol is a supplement for stress management that eliminates nervousness and provides a 12-hour lasting effect. It regulates the balance of the nervous system, mental stability, mood, and quality of sleep.
Lastly, there’s Sole Max, a neurobooster for memory, concentration, and brain performance. It helps improve reaction times, nerve cell impulse transmission, memory, and blood circulation; reduces irritability; and increases oxygen supply. Improvements in these areas are considered critical for those who study and work, and consuming the different supplements simultaneously would yield better results.
Recent research by Ipsos European Public Affairs confirms that the regular use of vitamins and supplements to boost immunity or as a self-care tool is a widespread trend in Europe. Ipsos European Public Affairs conducted a survey on behalf of Food Supplements Europe in 14 EU member states in 2022 and found that almost 9 out of 10 European consumers have taken food supplements in their lifetime, and almost all of them have done so in the last 12 months (93%). Consumers were most likely to report having taken vitamin D, vitamin C, and magnesium in the past 12 months.
The Philippines is considered to have fallen behind EU countries in terms of the Health Index. However, the growing presence of foreign brands such as Sole Pharma and others could help in the implementation of the PPAN and in achieving the goals of improving the nutritional status of Filipinos.
This article is brought to you by ABG Pharma Philippines through Brand Buzz Marketing Inc.
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