Dietary Shifts: The Hidden Health Risks of Ultra-Processed Foods
Vietnamese diets are shifting toward ultra-processed foods, increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and obesity.
Instant noodles for breakfast, processed meals for lunch, or a bottled drink after work... These choices are increasingly familiar due to their convenience in an urban lifestyle. However, behind this convenience lies a growing public health concern as diets shift toward higher intake of energy-dense foods, sodium, and free sugars, while lacking fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
According to a study published in Family Medicine and Community Health, each 100g of ultra-processed foods (UPF) consumed daily increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by 14%, cancer by 4%, and metabolic syndrome or diabetes by 2%. Dr. Xiao Liu, a cardiologist at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital and a researcher at Duke-NUS Medical School, suggests that replacing UPFs with whole foods is key to preventing chronic diseases.
In Vietnam, data from the National Institute of Nutrition shows that unhealthy diets are linked to approximately 8 million deaths annually worldwide. Dr. Le Thai Ha, Deputy Director of the General Department of Preventive Medicine (Ministry of Health), noted that the rise of modern retail chains and online food delivery platforms has fundamentally changed how people access food. The packaged food retail market in Vietnam is projected to reach $26.9 billion by 2028, a 45.7% increase from 2024.
Salt and sodium are among the most concerning factors. Although the average salt intake in Vietnam dropped from 9.42g/day in 2015 to 8.07g/day in 2021, this figure remains 1.6 times higher than the WHO recommendation of less than 5g/day. Associate Professor Truong Tuyet Mai, Deputy Director of the National Institute of Nutrition, warned that sodium is not only present in seasonings but also hidden in packaged foods and snacks.
Dr. Angela Pratt, WHO Representative in Vietnam, stated that the organization is collaborating with local authorities to develop a Nutrient Profiling Model, setting thresholds for fats, sugars, and salt. Experiences from Chile demonstrate that mandatory front-of-package nutritional warning labels reduced sales of high-sugar products by 37% and high-salt products by 22%, compelling businesses to reformulate their products.