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BACKGROUND: Ingestion of contaminated water or food is a major contributor to childhood diarrhea in developing countries. In Vietnam, the use of community-based information, education and communication (IEC) activities could be a sustainable strategy to improve food hygiene and food safety behaviors. This study thus examined the long-term impact of community-based IEC activities on food hygiene and food safety behaviors. METHODS: In this longitudinal study, we interviewed caregivers of children aged between six months and four years in suburban Hanoi. Baseline data were collected in January 2006 (n = 125). After conducting IEC interventions, we collected a 1(st) set of evaluation data in January 2007 (n = 132). To examine the long-term impact of the interventions, we then collected a 2(nd) set of evaluation data in January 2008 (n = 185). Changes in childhood diarrhea prevalence, IEC coverage, and food hygiene and food safety behaviors were assessed over a two-year period using bivariate and logistic regression analyses. Effective IEC channels were determined through multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Childhood diarrhea was significantly reduced from 21.6% at baseline to 7.6% at the 1(st) post-intervention evaluation (P = 0.002), and to 5.9% at the 2(nd) evaluation. Among 17 food hygiene and food safety behaviors measured, a total of 11 behaviors were improved or maintained by the 2(nd) evaluation. Handwashing after toilet use was significantly improved at both evaluation points. Overall, 3 food safety behaviors and 7 food hygiene behaviors were found to have significantly improved at the 1(st) and at the 2(nd) evaluations, respectively. Flip chart communication administered by community groups was identified to be the most effective IEC channel for effecting behavior change (P = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Flip chart communication administered by community groups is effective for improving multiple food hygiene and food safety behaviors in sustainable ways, and should be included in water and health promotion programs.

Influenza burden estimates are essential to informing prevention and control policies. To complement recent influenza vaccine production capacity in Vietnam, we used acute respiratory infection (ARI) hospitalization data, severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) surveillance data, and provincial population data from 4 provinces representing Vietnam’s major regions during 2014–2016 to calculate provincial and national influenza-associated ARI and SARI hospitalization rates. We determined the proportion of ARI admissions meeting the World Health Organization SARI case definition through medical record review. The mean influenza-associated hospitalization rates per 100,000 population were 218 (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 197–238) for ARI and 134 (95% UI 119–149) for SARI. Influenza-associated SARI hospitalization rates per 100,000 population were highest among children 65 years of age (207; 95% UI 186–227), underscoring the need for prevention and control measures, such as vaccination, in these at-risk populations.

To assess the role of in-flight transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), we investigated a cluster of cases among passengers on a 10-hour commercial flight. Affected persons were passengers, crew, and their close contacts. We traced 217 passengers and crew to their final destinations and interviewed, tested, and quarantined them. Among the 16 persons in whom SARS-CoV-2 infection was detected, 12 (75%) were passengers seated in business class along with the only symptomatic person (attack rate 62%). Seating proximity was strongly associated with increased infection risk (risk ratio 7.3, 95% CI 1.2–46.2). We found no strong evidence supporting alternative transmission scenarios. In-flight transmission that probably originated from 1 symptomatic passenger caused a large cluster of cases during a long flight. Guidelines for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection among air passengers should consider individual passengers’ risk for infection, the number of passengers traveling, and flight duration.

In recent years, serosurveillance has gained momentum as a way of determining disease transmission and immunity in populations, particularly with respect to vaccine-preventable diseases. At the end of 2017, the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit and the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology held a meeting in Vietnam with national policy makers, researchers, and international experts to discuss current seroepidemiologic projects in Vietnam and future needs and plans for nationwide serosurveillance. This report summarizes the meeting and the plans that were discussed to set up nationwide serosurveillance in Vietnam.

To investigate whether an intervention including micronutrient-fortified complementary foods can improve iron status, we conducted a randomized controlled trial in 5-mo-old Vietnamese infants In = 2461. Villages In = 291 were randomly divided into those receiving instant flour (FF1 or a food complement IFC) both fortified with micronutrients or nothing control IC)). FF and FC infants received daily for 6 ma at least 2 meals of fortified complementary foods. Micronutrient status was assessed by measurement of hemoglobin (Hb) and plasma ferritin )PF), transferrin receptor, zinc, and retinal. Final Hb Imean ± SD) was higher in the FF1(12.5 ± 8.0 g/L) and FC (114.0 ± 7.0 g/L) groups compared with 01109.0 ± 8.0 g/L; P= 0.0061. PF Igeometric mean ]95% Cl)) was also higher in FF 119.8 μg/L 117.5-22.3]) and FC 120.8 μg/L 18.3-23.6)) compared with C (11.1 μg/L 19.8-12.51; P < 0.0001). Anemia prevalence decreased more in the FC group 1-43.6%) compared with C 1-10.3%; P= 0.006). The change in prevalence of PF < 12 μg/L was different in the FF1-16.4%l and FC 1-6.7%) groups compared with 01+30.4%; P< 0.01). Endpoint prevalence of iron deficiency (ID) and ID anemia (IDA) were lower in the FF113.4 and 6.7%, respectively) and FC 115.2 and 3.8%) groups compared with C 157.5 and 37.5%) IP< 0.0001). Retinal and zinc concentrations did not differ among groups, but endpoint prevalence of zinc deficiency was lower in FF infants 136.1%) than in C infants (52.9%; P = 0.04). Micronutrient-fortified complementary foods significantly improved iron status and decreased the prevalence of anemia, ID, and IDA in Vietnamese infants and can be an important tool to reduce ID in infancy in developing countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the folate and vitamin B12 status of a group of Vietnamese women of reproductive age and to estimate the rate of neural tube defects (NTD) based on red blood cell (RBC) folate concentrations.Design and Subjects: A representative sample of non-pregnant women (15-49 years) living in Hanoi City (n 244) and Hai Duong Province (n 245).Measures: RBC folate, plasma vitamin B12 and plasma holo-transcobalamin (holoTC), a sensitive indicator of vitamin B12 status.Results: Mean (95% CI) concentrations of RBC folate, plasma B12 and plasma holoTC were 856 (837, 876) nmol/l, 494 (475, 513) pmol/l and 78 (74, 82) pmol/l, respectively. Only 3% and 4% of women had plasma B12 and holoTC concentrations indicative of deficiency. No woman had an RBC folate concentration indicative of deficiency (<317 nmol/l). Only 47% of women had an RBC folate concentration > or = 905 nmol/l. Accordingly, we predict the NTD rate in these regions of Vietnam to be 14.7 (14.2, 15.1) per 10,000 pregnancies.Conclusion: There was no evidence of folate and vitamin B12 deficiency among this population of Vietnamese women. However, suboptimal folate status may be placing three out of five women at increased risk of NTD. Reductions in NTD rates are still possible and women would benefit from additional folic acid during the periconceptional period from either supplements or fortified foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the folate and vitamin B12 status of a group of Vietnamese women of reproductive age and to estimate the rate of neural tube defects (NTD) based on red blood cell (RBC) folate concentrations. Design and subjects: A representative sample of non-pregnant women (15-49 years) living in Hanoi City (n 244) and Hai Duong Province (n 245). Measures: RBC folate, plasma vitamin B12 and plasma holo-transcobalamin (holoTC), a sensitive indicator of vitamin B12 status. Results: Mean (95% CI) concentrations of RBC folate, plasma B12 and plasma holoTC were 856 (837, 876) nmol/l, 494 (475, 513) pmol/l and 78 (74, 82) pmol/l, respectively. Only 3% and 4% of women had plasma B12 and holoTC concentrations indicative of deficiency. No woman had an RBC folate concentration indicative of deficiency (<317 nmol/l). Only 47% of women had an RBC folate concentration ⩾905 nmol/l. Accordingly, we predict the NTD rate in these regions of Vietnam to be 14·7 (14·2, 15·1) per 10 000 pregnancies. Conclusion: There was no evidence of folate and vitamin B12 deficiency among this population of Vietnamese women. However, suboptimal folate status may be placing three out of five women at increased risk of NTD. Reductions in NTD rates are still possible and women would benefit from additional folic acid during the periconceptional period from either supplements or fortified foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the effect of community-based nutrition education intervention on calcium intake and bone mass in Vietnamese postmenopausal women. Design: A controlled trial was conducted in two groups as intervention and control. The intervention group was given nutrition education during 18 months to improve calcium intake, while the control subjects had the usual diet. Calcium intake and bone mass were evaluated every 6 months. Bone mass was assessed by speed of sound (SOS) at calcaneus, referred to as quantitative ultrasound measurement. Anthropometric indices and serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) were determined at baseline and at the end of intervention. Setting: Two rural communes of Hai Duong province located in the Red River Delta in Vietnam. Subjects: A total of 140 women aged 55-65 years, who were more than 5 years postmenopausal and with low calcium intake (<400 mg/d), were recruited. After 18 months of intervention, 108 women completed the study. Results: Calcium intake in the intervention group had increased significantly (P<0∙01) while it had no significant changes in controls. SOS values were not changed significantly in the intervention subjects while it decreased significantly by 0∙5% in the controls (P<0∙01). The intervention led to a decrease in serum PTH by 12% (P<0∙01). In the controls, there was an increase in serum PTH by 32% (P<0∙001). Conclusion: Nutrition education intervention was effective in improving calcium intake and retarding bone loss in the studied subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concurrent micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent among Vietnamese school children. A school-based program providing food fortified with multiple micronutrients could be a cost-effective and sustainable strategy to improve health and cognitive function of school children. However, the efficacy of such an intervention may be compromised by the high prevalence of. parasitic infestation. To evaluate the efficacy of school-based intervention using multi-micronutrient-fortified biscuits with or without: deworming on anemia and micronutrient status in Vietnamese schoolchildren, a randomized, double-blind, placebo- controlled trial was conducted among 510 primary schoolchildren, aged 6-8 y, in rural Vietnam. Albendazole (Alb) (400 mg) or placebo was given at baseline. Nonfortified or multi-micronutrient-fortified biscuits including iron (6 mg), zinc (5.6 mg), iodine (35 μg), and vitamin A (300 μg retinol equivalents) were given 5 d/wk for 4 mo. Multi-micronutrient fortification significantly improved the concentrations of hemoglobin (+1.87 g/L; 95% CI: 0.78, 2.96), plasma ferritin (+7.5 μg/L; 95% CI: 2.8, 12.6), body iron (+0.56 mg/kg body weight; 95% CI: 0.29, 0.84), plasma zinc (+0.61 μmol/L; 95% CI: 0.26, 0.95), plasma retinof (+0.041 μmol/L; 95% CI: 0.001, 0.08), and urinary iodine (+22.49 μmol/L; 95% CI: 7.68, 37.31). Fortification reduced the risk of anemia and deficiencies of zinc and iodine by >40%. Parasitic infestation did not affect fortification efficacy, whereas fortification significantly enhanced deworming efficacy, with the lowest reinfection rates in children receiving both micro- nutrients and AIb. Multi-micronutrient fortification of biscuits is an effective strategy to improve the micronutrient status of Vietnamese schoolchildren and enhances effectiveness of deworming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been well acknowledged that Vietnam is undergoing a nutrition transition. With a rapid change in the country's reform and economic growth, food supply at the macronutrient level has improved. Changes of the Vietnamese diet include significantly more foods of animal origin, and an increase of fat/oils, and ripe fruits. Consequently, nutritional problems in Vietnam now include not only malnutrition but also overweight/obesity, metabolic syndrome and other chronic diseases related to nutrition and lifestyles. The recognition of these shifts, which is also associated with morbidity and mortality, was a major factor in the need to review and update the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for the Vietnamese population. This revised RDA established an important science-based tool for evaluation of nutrition adequacy, for teaching, and for scientific communications within Vietnam. It is expected that the 2007 Vietnam RDA and its conversion to food-based dietary guidelines will facilitate education to the public, as well as the policy implementation of programs for prevention of noncommunicable chronic diseases and addressing the double burden of both under and over nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevalence of trace elements deficiencies, vitamin A deficiency, anemia, and their relationships were investigated in a cross sectional study involving 243 children aged from 12 to 72 months in rural Vietnam. Serum levels of copper, zinc, selenium and magnesium were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer and that of retinol by high performance liquid chromatography. Hemoglobin concentration in whole blood was measured by the cyanmethemoglobin method. The prevalence of deficiencies in zinc, selenium, magnesium, and copper was 86.9%, 62.3%, 51.9%, and 1.7%, respectively. On the other hand, 55.6% were anemic and 11.3% had vitamin A deficiency. Deficiency in two or more micronutrient was found in 79.4% of the children. Parameters associated significantly with anemia were selenium deficiency (OR 2.80 95% CI 1.63-4.80, p = 0.0002) and serum retinol <1.05 µmol/L (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.10-3.05, p = 0.021). Magnesium deficiency (OR 3.09 95% CI 1.36-7.03) was found to be a risk factor for zinc deficiency and vice versa. The results indicate that micronutrient deficiencies are prevalent among preschool children in Vietnam. In addition, the results also demonstrate a strong relationship between selenium deficiency and anemia. Clearly, sustainable strategies are urgently required to overcome the problems in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although physical activity is recognised to be an important determinant of health and nutritional status, few instruments have been developed to assess physical activity in developing countries. The aim of this study was to compare the validity of the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and a locally adapted version of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQA) for use in school going adolescents in rural and urban areas in Vietnam. Methods: Sixteen year old adolescents from rural areas (n = 137) and urban areas (n = 90) completed the questionnaires in 2006. Test-retest reliability was assessed by comparing registrations after 2 weeks. Criterion validity was assessed by comparison with 7 days continuous accelerometer logging. Validity of the two methods was assessed using Spearman correlation coefficient, intra class correlation coefficients (ICC) and Kappa statistics. Results: Reliability of both questionnaires was poor for both the IPAQ (ICC = 0.37) and the PAQA (ICC = 0.40). Criterion validity of both questionnaires was acceptable and similar for the IPAQ (ρ = 0.21) and the PAQA (ρ = 0.27) but a significantly lower validity was observed in rural areas. Both forms poorly estimated time spent on light, moderate and vigorous physical activity. Agreement of both questionnaires to classify individuals was also low but the IPAQ performed better than the PAQA. Conclusion: Both questionnaires have a similar and overall poor validity to be used as a population instrument in Vietnam. Low reliability and classification properties in rural areas call for further research for specific use in such settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduction in childhood malnutrition in Vietnam between 1990 and 2004 was assessed using data from 5 national surveys. The prevalence of malnutrition, including stunting, declined significantly for underweight from 45% in 1990 to 26.6% in 2004. While the average reduction was 1.3% per year in the period from 1990 to 2000, it was 1.8% per year in the period from 2000 to 2004. The prevalence of stunting declined from 56.5% in 1990 to 30.7% in 2004, with an average reduction of 2% per year in the period from 1990 to 2000 and 1.5% per year in the period from 2000 to 2004. There were clear differences in the decrease in malnutrition prevalence between urban, rural and mountainous areas, the reduction being highest in the urban regions and lowest in the mountainous areas. Regression analysis showed that the nutrition status of the child is positively related to better household living conditions and to the educational level of the father, but not the mother. Stunting is higher in children whose parents are farmers and higher in households with more children. Stunting prevalence is lower in households with safe water access and hygienic toilets. In future , the dramatic reduction is childhood malnutrition as seen in the period 1990 to 2004 might not continue. More comprehensive approaches will be needed to lower childhood malnutrition in Vietnam further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of sub clinical vitamin A deficiency and anemia in Vietnamese children. For this, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in 40 villages (clusters) of four ecological regions in Vietnam during Apr-May 2001. In total 1657 children less than 5 years old were included by a cluster random sampling method. The prevalence of sub clinical vita-min A deficiency (serum retinol <0.70 µmol/L) was 12.0% and the prevalence of anemia (hemoglo-bin <110g/L) was 28.4 %. In the children under 6 months the prevalence of sub clinical vitamin A deficiency was 35.1 % whereas the prevalence of anemia in this group was as high as 61.7%. The prevalence of children with both sub clinical vitamin A deficiency and anemia was 6.1%. Sub clinical vitamin A deficiency and anemia prevalence differed significantly across the regions, with highest prevalence in the Northern Mountainous areas for vitamin A deficiency and in the Northern Mountainous area and Mekong River Delta for anemia. It is concluded that sub clinical vitamin A deficiency and anemia are still important public health problems in Vietnam. Sustainable strategies for combating vitamin A deficiency and nutritional anemia are needed and should concentrate on target groups, especially infants and malnourished children in high risk regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: To evaluate the FAO/WHO/UNU equations for predicting resting metabolic rate (RMR) in elderly Vietnamese. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving healthy and elderly subjects was carried out at the Basic Nutrition Department, National Institute of Nutrition, Vietnam. A total of 75 subjects who had a normal body mass index (BMI) were divided into two groups according to sex. The RMR was measured by indirect calorimetry and anthropometric indices were recorded. Equations derived by linear regression of RMR and body weight were compared to the FAO/WHO/UNU (1985) predictive equations. Results:The mean age of males and females were 65.03 ± 4.0 and 66.48 ± 4.61 years, respectively. Mean RMRs (MJ/kg/day) were 0.0963 ± 0.0121 for males and 0.0925 ± 0.0117 for females. Compared to the FAO/WHO/UNU equations, our findings were 10.9 and 11.1% lower in males and females, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusion:Our findings suggest that the FAO/WHO/UNU equations may overestimate RMR in elderly Vietnamese. Further studies to find out the most appropriate equation or to establish new predictive equations for RMR in elderly Vietnamese should be conducted. Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One cost-effective strategy for controlling iron deficiency is the fortification of staple foods or condiments with iron. We evaluated the effectiveness of fortifying fish sauce with NaFeEDTA for improving iron status in women of childbearing age in Vietnam in a double-blind intervention with randomization by village. All families in the selected villages were supplied with fish sauce that was either unfortified (Group C, 10 villages) or fortified with NaFeEDTA [9 mmol (500 mg) Fe/L, Group F, 11 villages] for 18 mo. The effect of fortification was assessed in the 576 women (n = 288/group) by measuring hemoglobin and serum ferritin (SF) at 6, 12, and 18 mo. Analysis of the group x time interaction using a repeated-measures test for each response demonstrated a significant effect of fortification on hemoglobin (P = 0.039) and log SF (P < 0.0001) in Group F with no significant changes in Group C. The prevalence of iron deficiency (SF < 12 microg/L) decreased from 22.3 to 4.0% and the prevalence of anemia (hemoglobin < 120 g/L) from 24.7 to 8.5% in Group F with no significant changes in Group C. NaFeEDTA fortification of fish sauce is an effective method for reducing the prevalence of iron deficiency in women in Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2003, the authors conducted a population-based, cross-sectional survey to determine the prevalence of osteoporosis and related factors in Vietnamese adult women by using quantitative ultrasound at the heel bone (calcaneus). A total of 2,232 adult women aged ≥20 years, living in Hanoi City, and free of illnesses affecting bone metabolism were randomly selected to participate in the study. Subjects' bone mass was assessed by speed of sound at the calcaneus, referred to as quantitative ultrasound measurement. The T-score threshold, defined as ≤−1.8, was used to identify subjects with osteoporosis. The crude prevalence of osteoporosis in Hanoi City was 15.4%; after adjustment for age, it was 9.0%. Among premenopausal women, the crude prevalence of osteoporosis was higher in the urban areas compared with the rural areas. By contrast, postmenopausal women in the rural areas had a higher prevalence of osteoporosis. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that factors associated with low speed of sound were age, menopause, educational level, lifelong occupation, recreational weight-bearing exercise, number of births, and height. Results suggest that osteoporosis is a noteworthy problem in Vietnam, and intervention strategies should be considered to control it, especially in high-risk populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fish sauce is consumed daily by a large proportion of the Vietnamese population and could therefore be a potentially useful food vehicle for iron-fortification programs. Objective: We evaluated the efficacy of iron-fortified fish sauce in improving the iron status of anemic women. Design: In a randomized, double-masked study of 152 anemic (hemoglobin concentration of 81-119 g/L) women, a meal based on noodles or rice was served 6 d/wk with 10 mL fish sauce containing either 10 mg Fe as NaFeEDTA (iron-fortified group) or no added iron (control group). Concentrations of hemoglobin, serum ferritin (SF), and serum transferrin receptor (TfR) were measured at baseline and after 3 and 6 mo. Results: After 6 mo, hemoglobin and SF concentrations were higher and TfR concentrations were lower in the iron-fortified group than in the control group [hemoglobin: 116.3 ± 8.7 (x ± SD) compared with 107.6 ± 11.0 g/L (P < 0.0001); SF: 30.9 (95% CI: 23.4, 40.6) compared with 14.6 (11.3, 19.0) βg/L (P = 0.0002); TfR: 7.2 (6.4, 7.9) compared with 9.0 (8.1, 9.9) mg/L (P = 0.002)]. The prevalence of iron deficiency (SF < 12 μg/L or TfR > 8.5 mg/L) and iron deficiency anemia (iron deficiency with hemoglobin < 120 g/L) was lower in the iron-fortified group than in the control group [32.8% compared with 62.5% (P = 0.0005) and 20.3% compared with 58.3% (P < 0.0001), respectively]. Conclusions: Regular consumption of iron-fortified fish sauce significantly reduced the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in Vietnamese women during the 6-mo intervention. Fortifying fish sauce with iron by using a water-soluble, highly bioavailable compound (NaFeEDTA) is a promising strategy for combating iron deficiency anemia in Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to the burden of undernutrition, many recent studies in Vietnam demonstrate that overweight/obesity and a number of nutritionally- related chronic diseases (NRCD) (hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases) are on the rise at an alarming rate. This could be the result of dietary and life style changes. The double burden of malnutrition (DBM) - a typical phenomenon during nutrition transition in developing countries, has been clearly reported in our country. Controlling nutritional deficiencies and newly emerging nutrition problems to reduce the double burden of malnutrition in Vietnam requires comprehensive and appropriate measures as set out in the National Nutrition Strategy 2001 -- 2010, as well as a greater research effort on transitional nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a follow-up study, to an investigation on the prevalence of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies among Vietnamese primary schoolchildren. A total of 454 children aged 7 to 8 years attending three primary schools in the Northern delta province of Vietnam were either provided with regular milk, milk fortified with vitamins, minerals and inulin or served as a reference control group. Children were monitored for anthropometrics, (micro)-nutritional status, faecal microbiota composition, school performance, and health indices. Both weight-for-age (WAZ) and height-for-age (HAZ) significantly improved during 6 months of milk intervention: and underweight and stunting dropped by 10% in these groups. During intervention the incidence of anemia decreased and serum ferritin levels increased significantly in all groups. Serum zinc levels increased and consequently, the incidence of zinc deficiency improved significantly in all three groups. Serum retinol levels and urine iodine levels remained stable upon intervention with fortified milk whereas in the control group the incidence of iodine deficiency increased. Bifidobacteria composed less than 1% of the total faecal bacteria. After three months of milk intervention total bacteria, bifidobacteria and Bacteroides sp. increased significantly in both milk and inulin fortified milk groups. Children in the milk consuming groups had significantly better short-term memory scores. Parent reported that health related quality of life status significantly improved upon milk intervention. In conclusion, (fortified) milk consumption benefited the children in rural Vietnam including lowering the occurrence of underweight and stunting, improving micronutrients status and better learning indicators as well as improving the quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A micronutrient survey carried out in 2010 among randomly selected Vietnamese women in reproductive age indicated that anemia and micronutrient deficiencies are still prevalent. The objective of this study was thus to analyze the dietary micronutrient intakes of these women, to select the food vehicles to be fortified and to calculate their contributions to meet the recommended nutrient intake (RNI) for iron, zinc, vitamin A and folic acid., Main Findings: Consumption data showed that the median intake was 38.4% of the RNI for iron, 61.1% for vitamin A and 91.8% for zinc. However, more than 50% of the women had daily zinc consumption below the RNI. Rice and vegetable oil were consumed daily in significant amounts (median: 320.4 g/capita/day and 8.6 g/capita/day respectively) by over 90% of the women, making them suitable vehicles for fortification. Based on consumption data, fortified vegetable oil could contribute to an additional vitamin A intake of 27.1% of the RNI and fortified rice could increase the intake of iron by 41.4% of the RNI, zinc by 15.5% and folate by 34.1%. Other food vehicles, such as fish and soy sauces and flavoring powders, consumed respectively by 63% and 90% of the population could contribute to increase micronutrient intakes if they are properly fortified and promoted. Wheat flower was consumed by 39% of the women and by less than 20% women from the lowest socioeconomic strata., Conclusion: The fortification of edible vegetable oils with vitamin A and of rice with iron, zinc and folic acid are the most promising fortification strategies to increase micronutrient intakes of women in reproductive age in Vietnam. While rice fortification will be implemented, fortification of fish and soy sauces with iron, that has been proven to be effective, has to be supported and fortification of flavouring powders with micronutrients investigated.

Objective: To assess the prevalence of undernutrition, incidence of infectious diseases and the situation of feeding practices to determine the risk factors for undernutrition among children aged 6 to 18 months in rural Vietnam., Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted among one hundred eighty-eight mother-child pairs in Bac Giang, Vietnam. Weight and height of the children were measured and referred to data from the WHO/CDC/NCHS. Incidence of infectious diseases was diagnosed based on the WHO Recommended Surveillance Standards. Data on socio-demographic variables and feeding practices were obtained through a structured questionnaire., Result: The prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting was 19.7%, 23.4% and 5.3%, respectively. The incidence of diarrhea and acute respiratory infections (ARIs) during the last 14 days of the interview was 12.2% and 20.2%, respectively. Although 99% of the children were breastfed, the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in the first 4 mo was 21.3%. Non-exclusive breastfeeding in the first 4 month (OR 3.95, p=0.025) and low birth weight (OR 4.38, p=0.009) were associated with underweight in the children, while incidence of infectious disease was not (OR 1.16, p=0.734)., Conclusion: Undernutrition is highly prevalent in the study site and non-exclusive breast feeding is one of the risk factors.

Objectives: To assess the folate and vitamin B12 status of a group of Vietnamese women of reproductive age and to estimate the rate of neural tube defects (NTD) based on red blood cell (RBC) folate concentrations., Design and Subjects: A representative sample of non-pregnant women (15-49 years) living in Hanoi City (n 244) and Hai Duong Province (n 245)., Measures: RBC folate, plasma vitamin B12 and plasma holo-transcobalamin (holoTC), a sensitive indicator of vitamin B12 status., Results: Mean (95% CI) concentrations of RBC folate, plasma B12 and plasma holoTC were 856 (837, 876) nmol/l, 494 (475, 513) pmol/l and 78 (74, 82) pmol/l, respectively. Only 3% and 4% of women had plasma B12 and holoTC concentrations indicative of deficiency. No woman had an RBC folate concentration indicative of deficiency (<317 nmol/l). Only 47% of women had an RBC folate concentration > or = 905 nmol/l. Accordingly, we predict the NTD rate in these regions of Vietnam to be 14.7 (14.2, 15.1) per 10,000 pregnancies., Conclusion: There was no evidence of folate and vitamin B12 deficiency among this population of Vietnamese women. However, suboptimal folate status may be placing three out of five women at increased risk of NTD. Reductions in NTD rates are still possible and women would benefit from additional folic acid during the periconceptional period from either supplements or fortified foods.

During the last ten years much attention has been paid to improving the health and nutritional status of the Vietnamese people. In 1995, the Government of Vietnam ratified the National Plan of Action for Nutrition (NPAN) for the period 1995-2000. Poverty reduction was one of the basic social policies given special attention. Several programs have been implemented in Vietnam by different sectors and ministries in an attempt to improve food intake and the nutritional status of the people. The implementation of the first NPAN (1995-2000) and other intervention programs to improve food production and consumption in Vietnam during the last decade have been successful. Trends showing improvement in the production of main foods during the last decade have been observed. The population's dietary intake has clearly improved in terms of both quality and quantity with the consumption of foods such as meats, fish, fat oils, and ripe fruits being much higher compared to 1987. The prevalence of child malnutrition during the last decade shows a marked decrease.