25% of Vietnam Infants Malnourished: Institute

Nearly 25% of Vietnam’s children under the age of five suffer from malnutrition and 14.5% of the country’s total children are underweight, according to the National Nutrition Institute. Underfeeding makes children more vulnerable to diseases due to their weak immune systems, said Dr. Nguyen Thi Lam, the institute’s deputy head. Malnourished children are also prone to iron-deficiency anemia, vitamin A and calcium deficiencies, leading to rickets and zinc deficiency that weaken their digestive system, she said. Parents must pay attention to probiotics that are live bacteria and yeast beneficial for digestion and nutrient absorption, which help to reduce cholesterol levels, absorb vitamins and improve the immune system. Studies show that the foods containing probiotics are dairy products, vegetables, fruits and cereals, as well as yogurt, cheese and kimchi pickle. But the parents need to be careful of food, mostly made-in-China products, to avoid residue of toxic substances, she noted. (Vietnam News August 6)