Recent data reveal that Vietnamese adults are consuming far more salt than international health guidelines recommend. Understanding this trend is crucial because excessive sodium directly influences blood pressure and long‑term disease risk.

Statistics show that adults aged 18‑69 in Vietnam consume an average of 8.1 g of salt per day, well above the WHO limit of less than 5 g. Dr. Trinh Hong Son noted that a single bowl of pho can provide about 85 % of the recommended daily salt limit.

Statistics show that the prevalence of hypertension among people aged 18‑69 in Vietnam has reached 26 %, meaning roughly one in four adults has high blood pressure. Experts explain that excessive salt causes water retention, which raises blood pressure and heightens the risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and stomach cancer.

Circular 30/2026, issued by the Ministry of Health and effective from July 10 2026, requires manufacturers to list sodium and other nutrients on food labels to help consumers make informed choices. However, a survey conducted in Hai Phong found that only 28 % of respondents could correctly read nutrition labels to determine salt content, even though 50 % said they chose lower‑salt products after reading the information.

These findings show that high salt intake is a silent but serious threat to public health, and that better label literacy could reduce the burden of hypertension and related diseases. Paying attention to sodium information and limiting salty dishes are practical steps to protect your wellbeing.