In addition to sunbathing properly, vitamin D supplementation is needed to help children increase their height
Dr. Truong Hong Son, Director of the Vietnam Institute of Applied Medicine, said: The rate of undernourishment in Vietnamese children has decreased sharply from 50% to about 20%. However, up to 50% of children have not yet reached the height of international standards. This is an alarming number, showing that we have not effectively taken advantage of the "golden stages" in children's physical development.
It is worth noting that low birth rate not only affects appearance but is also closely linked to the risk of non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, bones and joints and obesity.
For example, a person weighing 60kg if 1m70 tall will have a BMI of normal. However, with a height of only 1m50, BMI will fall into the threshold of being overweight, thereby increasing the risk of chronic diseases.
Dr. Son said that the first factor that determines a child's height is genetics, accounting for about 23% but nutrition contributes up to 32% in the child's development process. Human stature is most affected in the first 1,000 days of life, which are the first 9 months of pregnancy and the first two years of life, pre-school and puberty.
The doctor recommends that parents pay attention to nutrition and vitamin supplements to help children grow well. In addition to sunbathing properly, it is necessary to supplement vitamin D from daily nutrition and supplements. Vitamin D helps absorb calcium effectively, a deficiency of this substance will lead to rickets in children.
Doctor shows how to choose supplements
Doctor Hoang Quoc Tuong, Doctor of Pediatrics II - Children's Hospital 2, Lecturer of Pediatrics at Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, said: Currently, there are many D3K2 products supplemented for children on the market, however, when choosing to use them, the first factor must be scientific. In addition to the ingredients having D3 and K2, the dosage and quality of the ingredients are also important. The materials used to create the finished product must meet the standards.
The second criterion is stability. For example, when the lid is opened for use, after 3 months, 6 months, the product's content and quality must still be stable. That product must have data, research and testing, and be proven to be stable to be more effective.
"When choosing a product for children, a pediatrician was very interested in the form of use. We often choose products that do not contain preservatives, that is, do not contain substances that are not good for children's health. To do so, appropriate technologies must be applied.
For example, if the product has to open the lid, it will be easily affected by light, humidity, temperature and that will reduce the quality. Therefore, more special technologies are needed, such as one-way valve technology. Products in the world today are very popular with this type because they do not need to open the lid, the quality is guaranteed, there is no need to use preservatives - both friendly and safe for children's health" - Dr. Tuong said.
According to doctors, although this criterion is rarely noticed by parents, scientists are very concerned: That is a quality standard. Which products meet European, American, or Vietnamese standards? What are the safety standards for health protection foods? From a parent's perspective, just ensuring the above 3 factors is good.
The doctor also said that he could not rush to believe in the advertisement. Recently, people have clearly seen cases of poor quality products being exposed by authorities. These warnings help consumers recognize them better.
Regarding health - especially for young children - parents should seek advice from someone with expertise in the health sector.
"We should not just listen to personal sharing, whether it is famous mothers on social networks or artists. They may have influence, but their knowledge is only limited, incomplete and not multidimensional. Therefore, it is impossible to rush to believe in advertisements or share "dedicate" products.
In short, for everything related to health, especially children's health, it is necessary to have advice from medical experts - that will be safer" - the doctor advised.
