The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called on Vietnam to take action against salt overuse in a bid to cut the number of people experiencing heart disease and stroke and save lives.
The message was made on the occasion of World Heart Day (September 29).
According to preliminary survey conducted by the National Nutrition Institute, Vietnam’s average salt consumption among people aged 26-64 ranges from 12-15 grams per person per day, while the recommended level is less than 5 grams. Nearly 60 percent has a salt intake twice as high as the daily recommendation.
WHO warns that consuming too much salt can lead (or contribute) to high blood pressure, and greatly increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
According to a national survey, prevalence of hypertension in adults in Vietnam aged 25 and older is 25.1 percent.
WHO estimates that cardiovascular diseases are leading killer in Vietnam, responsible for 33 percent of total deaths.
WHO recommended that children aged 2 to 15 years consume even less salt than the recommended less than 5 grams per day to adjust for their every requirements for growth.
A study by the National Nutrition Institute showed that the daily sodium intake in Vietnam comes mainly from condiments added during food preparation, cooking and additional seasoning at the table (81 percent), from processed foods (11.6 percent) and from natural foods (7.4 percent).
Seasoning and fish sauce are the main sources of sodium intake on a daily basis, the study said.-VNA
The message was made on the occasion of World Heart Day (September 29).
According to preliminary survey conducted by the National Nutrition Institute, Vietnam’s average salt consumption among people aged 26-64 ranges from 12-15 grams per person per day, while the recommended level is less than 5 grams. Nearly 60 percent has a salt intake twice as high as the daily recommendation.
WHO warns that consuming too much salt can lead (or contribute) to high blood pressure, and greatly increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
According to a national survey, prevalence of hypertension in adults in Vietnam aged 25 and older is 25.1 percent.
WHO estimates that cardiovascular diseases are leading killer in Vietnam, responsible for 33 percent of total deaths.
WHO recommended that children aged 2 to 15 years consume even less salt than the recommended less than 5 grams per day to adjust for their every requirements for growth.
A study by the National Nutrition Institute showed that the daily sodium intake in Vietnam comes mainly from condiments added during food preparation, cooking and additional seasoning at the table (81 percent), from processed foods (11.6 percent) and from natural foods (7.4 percent).
Seasoning and fish sauce are the main sources of sodium intake on a daily basis, the study said.-VNA
