24.6% of Vietnamese children are stunted
The rate of children under 5 years old with short height compared to their age is decreasing slowly and showing signs of slowing down.
The latest survey data on malnutrition in children under 5 years old just released by the National Institute of Nutrition shows that reducing the rate of malnourished children is really difficult and shows signs of slowing down.
Specifically, the rate of children with low weight for age (underweight) decreased by 0.4% from 14.5% in 2014 to 14.1% in 2015. Similarly, the rate of children with low height for age (stunting) decreased by 0.3% from 24.9% to 24.6%.
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The rate of malnourished children is highest in the Central Highlands, followed by the midlands and northern mountainous region |
Doctor Nguyen Van Tien, Center for Nutrition Education and Communication, National Institute of Nutrition said,This figure varies between ecological zones and regions; concentrated in places with difficult economic conditions, mountainous areas, remote areas... In which, the highest is the Central Highlands with the rate of underweight children still nearly 22% and the rate of short height is more than 34%; then the midlands and mountainous areas of the North with the corresponding figures of 19.5% and more than 30%.Kon Tum is still the province with the highest rate of stunted children - over 39%.
Stunting malnutrition, also known as chronic malnutrition, has serious consequences for the physical strength, stature, endurance and intellectual development of children later on; even lasting through many generations. Short, underweight mothers are likely to give birth to stunted children. Stunted children have difficulty catching up with normal children of the same age. If a child develops well at 3 years old, reaching 94.5 cm, then the height at 18 years old is 170 cm, if malnourished, this number is only 158 cm.
Here are 5 nutritional tips to support your child's height growth:
- Use calcium-rich foods appropriate for your age (milk and dairy products, small fish, etc.), use calcium-fortified products, and supplement calcium at special stages in the life cycle.
- The amount of protein in the diet should be moderate. If you eat a lot of protein, you must ensure enough calcium because a high protein diet increases calcium excretion in urine.
- Eat lots of vegetables and fruits; foods rich in calcium include green vegetables rich in calcium (kale, spinach, etc.); dried beans, fruits (especially citrus fruits such as grapefruit, oranges, etc.).
- Limit carbonated drinks.
- Combining appropriate physical activities and reasonable outdoor time helps children maximize their height and improve their health.
