409

Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2008;17 (S2):409-415

Original Article

Vietnam Recommended Dietary Allowances 2007
Nguyen Cong Khan MD PhD and Pham Van Hoan MD PhD
National Institute of Nutrition, Ministry of Health, Vietnam
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.

Key Words: Vietnam, Dietary recommendation, Nutritional requirement, Energy intake, Protein intake

INTRODUCTION
The National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) under Ministry of Health was established by the Vietnamese government in 1980. The NIN has the lead responsibility
for research, training and implementation activities in
the field of nutrition, food sciences, food safety, andclinical nutrition in Vietnam. In Vietnam, Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for energy andspecific nutrients were first officially approved by Ministry of Health, Vietnam in 1996. On 31 July 2007, theMinister of Health, Vietnam approved the 2007 Vietnam RDA. This revised RDA will be an important science-based tool for evaluation of nutrition adequacy,
for teaching, and for scientific communications within
Vietnam.
CURRENT FOOD, HEALTH AND NUTRITIONSITUATION IN VIETNAM
Over the past decade, the structure of the Vietnamese
economy has undergone major changes. The industrial
and service growth has resulted in a remarkable increase in the gross domestic product (GDP). The rapid
economic growth has led to urbanization in all parts ofthe countries, with immigrants accounting for 30% of
the urban population.
Mortality, morbidity patterns
The associated cause of morbidity and mortality has
been modified in Vietnam over the past 30 years, especially during the last decade (Table 1).1 In 1996, a larger proportion of the total mortality and morbidity burden was due to communicable diseases while in 2005, alarger proportion of mortality and morbidity burden
was due to non-communicable diseases.2 Dietary andphysical activity habits also changed. Currently, nutri-tional problems in Vietnam include not only malnutrition but also an increasing prevalence of overweight,
obesity, metabolic syndrome and other chronic diseases
related to nutrition and lifestyles. The recognition of theshifts in association with morbidity and mortality was amajor factor in the need to review and to update the
RDA for the Vietnamese population.
Situation of food supply
Advances in agriculture production have contributed
greatly to national food security and the GDP. According to the General Statistics Office, total rice production increased from 27.5 million tons in 1997 to 32 million tons in 2001 and 35.7 million tons in 2005. The
production of other kinds of foods such as maize, cassava, peanuts and beans also increased. Advances inanimal husbandry resulted in increased meat production
from 1.59 million tons in 1997 to 1.9 million tons in2001 and 2.5 million tons in 2005. Fish and seafood
production more than doubled from 1.23 million tons in
1997 to 3.4 millions tons in 2005.3
Food consumption
Partly due to urbanization and increased income, thediet of the Vietnamese people has significantly altered.
The average diet based on cereal, tuber, and vegetable
expanded to include meat, eggs, milk, fat and sugar.
However, fish and aqua product consumption is stillpoor and has not improved since the 1980s.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Nguyen Cong Khan, National
Institute of Nutrition, Ministry of Health, 48B Tang Bat Ho
Street, Hanoi, Vietnam
Tel: +84-4-9716058; Fax: +84-4-9717885
Email: nckhan@hn.vnn.vn
Manuscript accepted 16 January 2008.

410

NC Khan and PV Hoan

Table 1. Percentage of mortality by causes 1976-2005
Causes of deathDue to communicable diseases
Due to non-communicable diseases
Due to accidents, injuries and poisons

1976
53.1
44.7
2.2

1986
52.1
41.8
6.1

1996
33.1
43.7
23.2

2002
18.2
63.3
18.5

2005
16.5
61.1
22.4

Source: Health Statistical Year Book, 2005

Table 2. Requirement for energy by age, physical status and work categories
Energy intake by work categories (kcal/day)Moderate
Heavy

GenderAge group/physical statusMale

19 – 30
31 – 60
> 60

2.300
2.200
1.900

2.700
2.600
2.200

3.300
3.200
2.600

2200
2.100
1.800

2.300
2.200
1.900

2.600
2.500
2.200

+ 360

+ 360

-

Female19 – 30
31 – 60> 60
Pregnant women in 3 middle
monthsPregnant women in 3 lastmonthsBreastfeeding women in goodnutritional status
Breastfeeding women in poor
nutritional status

+ 475

+ 475

-

+ 505

+ 505

-

+ 675

+ 675

-

Light

Traditional foods, such as sesame, peanuts, tofu, green
vegetables and fish are less important. A proportion of theurban population has embraced fast foods and drinks, aswell as animal-based foods and refined carbohydrates(sugars, sweets), representing the most significant phenomenon of the nutritional transition and appears to berelated to an increase of income.

Table 3. Energy intake of children from birth to 18
years

Male and female, from 7 - 12 months

710

Nutritional problems
Protein-energy malnutrition in children remains a large
challenge for community health and development in Vietnam. Despite the percentage of malnutrition in Vietnam
being reduced by an estimated 34% since 2000 as of 2006,
it still is obvious that low birth weight and early malnutrition prevail, especially in poor and underdeveloped regions.4 Sub-clinical vitamin A deficiency (by serum vitamin A) still exists, even while universal vitamin A supplementation programs are implemented throughout thecountry. Although the prevalence of anemia in the general
population, it remains high in pregnant women and children. According to a survey in 2006, about 35% pregnant
women in suburban are anemic.5
Since 1995, overweight and obesity have approachedmalnutrition as key community health problems. A national survey on overweight and obesity indicated theprevalence at 16.3%, although overweight is more commonly reported than obesity. This survey conducted in2005 of 620 adults in urban and suburban locations in
Hanoi indicated the prevalence of metabolic syndrome at
17.1% in urban and 9.0% in suburban areas.2
High blood pressure with its attendant high morbidity
rate has become a health problem. A 1999 survey indicated the prevalence of hypertension in adults living in
Hanoi as 16.1%, increasing to 23.1% in 2001.6 Stroke

Male and female, 1 - 3 years

1.180

Male and female, 4 - 6 years

1.470

Male and female, 7 - 9 years

1.825

Male Adolescence, 10 - 12 years

2.110

Male Adolescence, 13 - 15 years

2.650

Male Adolescence, 16 - 18 years

2.980

Female Adolescence, 10 - 12 years

2.010

Female Adolescence, 13 - 15 years

2.200

Female Adolescence, 16 - 18 years

2.240

Gender, age group
Male and female, under 6 months,

Energy intake(kcal/day)555

cases have tripled in the past ten years. Coronary vasculardisease is six times more prevalent than in the 1960s.
Diabetes is on the rise. Studies done in 2002 by the Institute of Endocrinology showed the prevalence of diabetes
in urban areas of four major cities to be 4.9%, while theprevalence of impaired glucose tolerance was 5.9%.7
2007 VIETNAM RECOMMENDED DIETARY ALLOWANCESThe scientific rationale for the review and development of
the 2007 Vietnam Recommended Dietary Allowances
was based upon (1) the recommended RDA, approved by
the Minister of Health in the Decision No. 1564/BYT-QD,
dated September 19, 19968; (2) the recommendations ofVietnam Updated Recommended Dietary Allowances

411

Table 4. Protein intake of breastfed infant (*)
Age(month)Under 1 month
1-2
2-3
3-4

Average protein intake (g/kg of weight/day)Male
Female
2.46
2.39
1.93
1.93
1.74
1.78
1.49
1.53

(*) Presently, as recommendation of WHO/UNICEF, for infant under 6 months of age, breastfeeding ensures total need of protein for the
infant to grow and be healthy.

Table 5. Protein intake for children under 10 years of age and adolescence from 10 - 18 years
Protein intake (g/day)
Energy intake from prtein =12% -15%,
NPU intake = 70%

Demand for animal protein (%)

Children under 10
Infant under 6 months
7 – 12 months
1-3 years
4-6 years
7-9 years

1221 - 25
35 - 4444 - 55
55 - 64

100
70
≥ 60
≥ 50
≥ 50

Adolescent children (*)
10 – 12
13 – 15
16 – 18
10 – 12
13 – 15
16 – 18

63 - 74
80 - 93
89 - 104
60 - 70
66 - 77
67 - 78

35-40%
35-40%
35-40%
35-40%
35-40%
35-40%

Age group(*). Calorie intake provided by Protein 12-14%, can reach 16% of total energy

Table 6. Recommended lipid intake by age and physical status
Age group / Physical status

Requirement for lipid / total Energy intake (%)
Daily
Maximum
45 - 5060
40
60
35 - 4050
20 - 2530
18 - 25
25

Under 6 months
6-11 months
1-3 years
4 to 18 years
Male
Reproductive aged, pregnant and breastfeeding
20 - 25
30
women
Recommended fatty unsaturated acids
Percentage (%) of total calorie intake
Age group/physical status
Acid Linoleic
Acid Alpha-Linoleic
Under 1 year old children
4.5
0.5
1-3 years
3.0
0.5Children from 4 to 18 years
2.0
0.5
Adults2.0
0.5
Pregnant and breastfeeding women
2.0
0.5

FAO/WHO in 19859 and WHO in 200310, as well as recent references of the RDA South-East Asia Region11;
and (3) the observed data from current studies monitoring
food intake, nutritional status, and health conditions
within Vietnam.2,12 In the 2007 Vietnam RDA, some recommendations were introduced for nutrients which had
not been included in the 1996 RDA. These new considerations were focused upon fiber, vitamin E, vitamin K,
iodine, zinc, selenium, and water. For fiber, the US recommendations (IOM-FNB) were utilized.13-15 For vitaminE, vitamin K, iodine, zinc, selenium, and water, the recommendations of FAO/WHO (2002) and of the region(SEA-RDAs 2005) were followed. For macronutrients, it
was recommended that carbohydrate should account for
61-70% of total calorie, and fat should not exceed 25% of
total energy intake. The recommended intake of dietaryfiber was 20g fiber/day.A summary of the 2007 recommendations are as provided below.
TRANSLATION OF 2007 Vietnam RDA INTO NUTRITIONAL GUIDELINES, POLICIES AND PROGRAMSNC Khan and PV Hoan

412

Table 7. Requirements for Vitamins

Age group, genderChildren< 6 months
6–11 months
1–3 years
4–6 years
7–9 years
Male adolescence
10–12 years
13–15 years
16–18 years
Male adults
19–50 years
51–60 years>60 years
Female adolescence
10–12 years
13–15 years
16–18 years
Female adults
19–50 years
51–60 years>60 years
Pregnant women
Breastfeeding women

A

D

E

K

C

B1 (Thiamin)

B2 (Riboflavin)

B3 (Niacin)

B6

B9 (Folat)

B12

(mcg/
day)a

(mcg/
day)c

(mg/
day)d

(mg/
day)

(mg/
day)b

(mg/
day)

(mg/
day)

(mg NE/
day)e

(mg/
day)

(mcg/
day)f

(mcg/d)

375
400
400
450
500

5
5
5
5
5

3
4
5
6
7

6
9
13
19
24

25
30
30
30
35

0.2
0.3
0.5
0.6
0.9

0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.9

2
4
6
8
12

0.1
0.3
0.5

80
80
160
200
300

0.3
0.4
0.9
1.2
1.8

5

10
12
13

34
50
58

65

1.2

1.3

16

1.3

400

2.4

5
10
15

12

59
70

1.2

1.3

16

400

2.4

5

11
12
12

35
49
50

65

1.1

1

16

400

2.4

12

51

1.1

1.1

14

400

2.4

1.4
1.5

1.4
1.6

18
17

600
500

2.6
2.8

600

600

600

500
600
800
850

5
10
15
5
5

12
18

51
51

0.6

1.3

70
70
80
95

1.7

1.2

1.3
1.5
1.9
2

According to FAO/WHO the following equivalences could be used: 01mcg vitamin A or Retinol = 01 mcg Retinol (RE); 01 (IU) is equivalent to 0,3 mcg vitamin A. b Excluded of loss in proccessing, cooking
because Vitamin C is destroyed easily by oxidating, light, alkali and heat. c Note: 01 (IU) is equivalent to 0,03 mcg vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol).or: 01 mcg vitamin D3 = 40 (IU). d Equivalent transformation frommg to (IU) based on IOM-FNB 2000. e Niacin or normality Niacin. f Equivalent transformation of biological values from Acid folic: 1 acid folic = 1 folat x 1,7. Or: 01 gam of normality acid folic = 01gam folat trongthùc phÈm + (1,7 x gam of total acid folic).
aVietnam Updated Recommended Dietary Allowances

413

Table 8. Requirements for minerals

Age group, gender
Infants< 6 months
6–11 months
Children
1–3 years
4–6 years
7–9 years
Male adolescence
10–12 years
13–15 years
16–18 years
Male adults
19–50 years
51–60 years> 60 years
Female adolescence
10–12 years(without menstruation)
10–12 years
13–15 years
16–18 years
Female adults
19–50 years
51–60 years> 60 yearsa

Ca (calcium)

Iodine(mg/
day)(mcg/day)

300
400

90

500
600
700

1000

1000

90

120
150
150

150

120
1000

1000

Iron (mg/day) by biological values ofcalorie intake
15%c

Good

Moderate

Poor

(mg/
ngµy)

P (Phosphorus)
(mg/
ngµy)

18.6

0.93
12.4

9.3

1.1e
0.8h – 2.5i

2.8f
4.1i

6.6g
8.3i

36
54

90
275

6
10

11.6
12,6
17.8

7.7
8.4
11.9

5.8
6.3
8.9

2.4
3.1
3.3

4.1
5.1
5.6

8.4
10.3
11.3

65
76
100

460
500
500

17
22
21

29.2

19.5

14.6

5.7

9.7

19.2

1250

32

37.6

25.1

18.8

155
225
260

27.4

18.3

13.7

4.2

7.0

14.0

205

700

3.0

4.9

9.8

4.6

7.8

15.5

5%a

10%b

28.0
65.4

150

62.0

150

58.8

18.7
43.6

14.0
32.7

41.3

31.0

39.2

29.4

15.1

11.3

Zinc (mg/day),By absoption amountMg (Magnesium)

Selen
(mg/
ngµy)

34
33

160
1250

26

220
240
3.0
3.0
4.2

4.9
4.9
7.0
b

9.8
9.8
14.0

205

700

26
25

Low iron calorie intake (only 5% of iron amount absorpted): poor dietary, amount of meat or fish is <30 g/day or vitamin C <25 mg/day. Average iron calorie intake (about 10% sof iron absorpted): when intake
amount of meat or fish is 30g – 90g/day or vitamin C from 25 mg – 75 mg/day.c High iron calorie intake (about 15% of iron amount absorpted): when intake amount of meat or fish is > 90g/day or vitamin C > 75
mg/day. d Supply of iron tablets is recommended for all pregnant women during pregnancy. Women with aneamia should be provided with higher supplementary dose. e Breastfed infants; f Infants fed with artificial milk. g Children fed with artificial food which is rich in phytat and vegetable protein. h Not applicable for totally breastfed infants. i Good absorption: good biological values of zinc = 50 % (calorie intake isrich in animal or fish protid); moderate absorption: biological values of zinc is normal = 30 % (calorie intake is morderate in animal or fish protid: proportion of phytate-molecular zinc is 5 : 15). Poor absorption:
low biological values of zinc.

NC Khan and PV Hoan

414

Table 8. Requirements for minerals. (cont.)

Age group, gender
Pregnant women
14–18 years
19–30 years
31–50 years
3 early months
3 middle months
3 last months
Bbreastfeeding women
14–18 years
19–30 years
31–50 years
0-3 months
4-6 months
After 6 monthsaIron (mg/day), by biological values of calorie intake

Ca (calcium)

Iodine(mg/
day)(mcg/day)

5%a

10%b

15%c

1000

200

+30.0d+20.0d

+15.0dZinc (mg/day), by absoption amount
Good

ModeratePoor

Mg (Magnesium)
(mg/
day)

P (Phosphorus)
(mg/
day)

Selen
(mg/
day)

1250
205
3.4
4.2
6.0

5.5
7.0
10.0

700

11.0
14.0
20.0

26
28
30

1250
1300

200

250
5.8
5.3
4.3

9.5
8.8
7.2
b

19.0
17.5
14.4

700
35
42

Low iron calorie intake (only 5% of iron amount absorpted): poor dietary, amount of meat or fish is <30 g/day or vitamin C <25 mg/day. Average iron calorie intake (about 10% sof iron absorpted): when intake
amount of meat or fish is 30g – 90g/day or vitamin C from 25 mg – 75 mg/day.c High iron calorie intake (about 15% of iron amount absorpted): when intake amount of meat or fish is > 90g/day or vitamin C > 75
mg/day. d Supply of iron tablets is recommended for all pregnant women during pregnancy. Women with aneamia should be provided with higher supplementary dose. e Breastfed infants; f Infants fed with artificial
milk. g Children fed with artificial food which is rich in phytat and vegetable protein. h Not applicable for totally breastfed infants. i Good absorption: good biological values of zinc = 50 % (calorie intake is rich inanimal or fish protid); moderate absorption: biological values of zinc is normal = 30 % (calorie intake is morderate in animal or fish protid: proportion of phytate-molecular zinc is 5 : 15). Poor absorption: low biological values of zinc.

Vietnam Updated Recommended Dietary Allowances
A food based dietary guideline for Vietnam was developed and approved by Ministry of Health in 2007 as thefollows:
1. Eat a variety of foods and frequently change themenu.
2. Early breastfeed the baby just after birth and exclusively breastfed for six months, appropriate complementary foods can be added while continuing tobreastfeed up to 18 to 24 months.
3. Consume protein-rich foods with a balance between
animal and plant sources, promote fish consumption.
4. Control fat consumption and maintain a balance between animal fat and plant oil sources.
5. Using milk and milk products according to the agegroup.
6. Avoid salty foods and use iodized salt for daily foodpreparation and consumption.
7. Eat more fruits and vegetables everyday.
8. Maintain the hygiene and safety of food and beverages.
9. Drink enough the water, limit alcohol, beer andsweet beverages.
10. Choose an active lifestyle, increase physical activity,
maintain your weight, and avoid smoking.
The revised RDA and its translation into dietary guidelines is an important nutritional education tool for Vietnam. The plan is to create a national food security committee for the promotion of consumption of fish, and to
focus on food safety regarding vegetables, import foods,
and other food products. These efforts will also help toimplement the National Nutrition Strategy in Vietnam,
which will incorporate nutrition labeling.
AUTHOR DISCLOSURES
Nguyen Cong Khan and Pham Van Hoan, no conflicts of interest.
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