CorrectOriginally Posted by Pete/London
All the op wanted to know was how to gain a bit of weightI'm unable to give any specific advice, not having been given basic information
However, subsequent posts have raised a few points :-
Vitamin D - needed for calcium absorption - is obtained through the diet, and also produced in the skin with sun exposure. Melanin pigment does reduce the skin's ability to make this vitamin. Lack of it can lead to rickets or - especially in older women - fractures. It's also possible to overdose on this vitamin ( and others ).
Lack of vitamin C may occur if the diet is faulty, and scurvy may result. Too often a filipino child's diet is low in fruits and vegetables which contributes to under- nourishment. However, the numbers of under-nourished children is declining, and obese children increasing ( both in Philippines and UK ), because of consumption of convenience and junk foods high in salt, sugar, and fat, together with a sedentary lifestyle.
Lack of B vitamins causes a variety of illnesses such as beriberi, but an excess is also harmful.
Vitamin A deficiency can cause blindness ( xerophthalmia ) in the tropics.
Folic acid deficiency can cause a type of anemia, and spina bifida ( in the foetus ) so supplements are given in pregnancy.
It's impossible to generalise, but in the absence of * illness, * pregnancy, or * poverty; * a "target" BMI of 18.5 - 25, * waist circumference < 90 - 94 cm ( men ) and < 80 cm ( women ) ( * no central obesity ), then a balanced diet with exercise is all that is needed
