Ho Chi Minh City residents consume too much salt: health body

Men consume more salt than women, averaging 9.4 grams compared to 7.6 grams per day.

HCDC noted that salt (sodium chloride – NaCl) contains about 40 percent sodium by weight.

Excess sodium intake is a major risk factor for health, contributing to conditions such as heart disease, obesity, stomach cancer, osteoporosis, kidney stones, and worsening asthma.

In addition to kitchen salt, sodium is found in high levels in condiments such as fish sauce, soy sauce, seasoning powder, monosodium glutamate, and baking soda.

Natural foods like vegetables, meat, and fish already provide enough sodium for daily nutritional needs.

Sodium deficiency is rare and typically occurs in cases of prolonged severe diarrhea, intense physical labor in hot conditions, or sustained high-intensity athletic training.

HCDC advised residents to prioritize steaming or boiling food over braising or frying, use natural flavorings such as lime, chili, pepper, garlic, onion, and herbs to reduce reliance on added salt, and check nutrition labels—particularly sodium content—when shopping.