According to Professor Dr. Ha Huy Khoi, Vice President of the Vietnam Nutrition Association, since 2003, the average height of Vietnamese individuals has increased by 3.7 cm (for men) and 4 cm (for women). This improvement is primarily due to environmental factors (hygiene, nutrition) rather than genetic factors.
 |
| The nutritional regime for pregnant women is crucial for the development of the child. (Photo: NLD) |
Research conducted by the Institute of Nutrition in 1985 revealed that from 1938 to 1985, the average height of Vietnamese adults did not change.
During that time, the height for men was only 160 cm and for women, it was 150 cm.
By 2003, according to data from the Ministry of Health, the average height of Vietnamese people had improved. The average height for adult men is 163.7 cm and for women, it is 154 cm (an increase of 3.7 cm for men and 4 cm for women).
At the recent scientific conference titled “Improving Nutrition and Increasing Growth among Vietnamese People” held in Ho Chi Minh City by the Vietnam Nutrition Association and Dutch Lady Vietnam, Professor Khoi stated that the increase in growth among Vietnamese individuals is concrete evidence of the potential of the Vietnamese gene pool.
This indicates the positive impact of socioeconomic achievements over the past two decades. It also serves as a basis for hope that the stature of Vietnamese people, both physically and intellectually, will continue to improve.
According to Professor Khoi, the main solution to enhance the growth of Vietnamese individuals is to apply a proper nutrition regime, especially during pregnancy and the first two years of life.
Since 1990, the diet of Vietnamese people has improved: there is a trend of reducing rice and tuber consumption while the consumption of meat, fats, and overripe foods has increased.
However, the current knowledge of the population regarding proper nutrition is still not widespread. A diet high in meat and protein can disrupt acid-base balance and calcium levels, negatively affecting the bone ossification process.
For children, milk and dairy products are a balanced source of protein and calcium. Additionally, no less important is the implementation of physical exercise measures to enhance physical fitness.
Nguyen Sa
