A Decision Support System for Optimizing Nutrient in Daily Lunch Intake among College Students in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines using Linear Programming

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to develop a decision support system to find food choices that will optimize nutrient intake among college students given their food choices and budget by formulating and solving linear programming models. Methods: Survey interviews among college students in various colleges and universities around Cagayan de Oro City were conducted to determine the foods which they usually eat as well as their usual budget for lunch. Moreover, cafeterias and fast-food chains located near school areas were also visited to ascertain the kind of foods they serve to students as well as the corresponding prices per serving of these foods. Using this information such as costs per food serving, nutrient content, student meal budget and their food preferences, linear programming models are then formulated and solved while making sure that individual nutrient requirements are met. The models are then incorporated into an excel-based program to present a userfriendly decision support system (DSS) for determining lunch menu options. Findings: Results of the study show various lunch food combinations for male and female college students. Recommended food menu costs vary according to sex, age, BMI classification and level of daily activity. For example, the lowest for normal BMI male between 14-18 years old is PhP 40 while the lowest food menu cost for 14-18 years old female with normal BMI is PhP 45. In particular, the DSS developed in this study allow students to input their preferences such as choice of drink, viand, number of servings preferred and budget allotted for a particular meal, as well key-in their personal attributes (such as height, weight, physical activities engaged in) which are then used as basis for computing the recommended lunch menu options. Novelty. This study provides students the guide for a more nutritionally-filled lunch menu that is within their budget. Keywords: Nutrition; Food choices; Linear Programming; Optimization; Decision Support System