10 recommendations for a healthy diet recommended by the vietnam ministry of health through 2030

1. Introduction

A healthy diet is a fundamental factor for comprehensive physical development, maintenance of health, strengthening of immunity, and prevention of disease. A balanced diet that provides adequate essential nutrients helps to:

• Ensure physical and intellectual development in children and adolescents.
• Maintain an appropriate body weight and prevent overweight and obesity.
• Strengthen the immune system, enabling the body to resist disease-causing agents.
• Support the proper functioning of organs and systems, including the cardiovascular, digestive, and nervous systems.
• Reduce the risk of diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
• Improve quality of life and contribute to longevity.

According to the National Institute of Nutrition, a diverse meal should provide sufficient energy-yielding nutrients, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and water for the body.

On November 29, 2024, the Ministry of Health issued Decision No. 3594/QĐ-BYT, entitled “Ten Recommendations for a Healthy Diet through 2030,” signed by Associate Professor Nguyen Thi Lien Huong, Deputy Minister of Health. This decision serves as a basis for health-sector units in communication and nutrition education activities aimed at improving public knowledge and practice of healthy nutrition.

The decision took effect on the date of signing and replaced Decision No. 189/QĐ-BYT dated January 17, 2013, issued by the Ministry of Health on “Ten Recommendations for a Healthy Diet through 2020.”

2. Ten Recommendations for a Healthy Diet

Recommendation 1: Consume adequate, balanced, and diverse foods every day; combine foods of animal and plant origin appropriately.

Recommendation 2: Consume foods rich in micronutrients every day, including vegetables, tubers, and fruits of different colors. Carefully read the nutrition information on food labels before purchasing and using products.

Recommendation 3: Use protein-rich foods appropriately; fish, poultry, and nuts should be included in daily meals; red meat should be consumed in moderation.

Figure 1. Some protein-rich foods

Recommendation 4: Drink sufficient water every day.

Recommendation 5: Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should follow an appropriate diet and take iron and folic acid supplements or multiple micronutrients as recommended.

Recommendation 6: Initiate breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, exclusively breastfeed infants during the first 6 months of life, provide appropriate complementary feeding thereafter, and continue breastfeeding until 24 months of age or longer.

Recommendation 7: Limit the consumption of fried foods, fast foods high in fat, foods high in salt or sugar, sugar-sweetened beverages, and alcoholic drinks.

Recommendation 8: Ensure food safety in the selection, preparation, and storage of foods.

Recommendation 9: Organize family meals appropriately. Eat regular meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) suitable for age, avoid overeating, and do not skip meals.

Recommendation 10: Maintain and control a healthy body weight; adopt an active lifestyle and engage in age- and health-appropriate physical activity.

REFERENCES

1. Decision No. 3594/QĐ-BYT dated November 29, 2024, of the Ministry of Health on the promulgation of “Ten Recommendations for a Healthy Diet through 2030.”
2. Godman, H. (2021, September 1). How many fruits and vegetables do we really need? Harvard Health.

MSc. Kim Ngoc Son
MSc. Ngo Thi My Duyen