Your Vietnam
Vitamin D – a lifesaver for unborn children
by Dr Mattias Larsson*
Vitamin D deficiency has emerged as a significant concern, linked to several diseases including osteoporosis, cancer, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes, increased overall mortality and even stillbirth. In Việt Nam, the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency (defined as serum 25(OH)D levels below 20 ng/mL), is alarmingly high, affecting 30 per cent of women and 16 per cent of men. Women under 30 living in urban areas are most affected. One of the contributing factors may be limited exposure to sunlight due to cultural practices. Despite the abundance of sunlight in Việt Nam, individuals often seek shade and wear protective clothing to avoid sun exposure. The contraceptive pill, in contrast, appears to protect against the deficiency.
The main symptoms of Việt Nam D deficiency are often quite vague or general but can come in different combinations, including fatigue, sleeping problems, bone pain or ache, depression or sadness, hair loss, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, decreased immune capacity with frequent infections.
Around 90 per cent of vitamin D synthesis occurs in the skin through sunlight exposure. Only a minor portion of vitamin D is obtained through food including fatty fish, seafood, mushrooms, egg yolks, spinach, orange, and bananas. This suggests that tropical regions with ample sunlight might have a lower risk of deficiency. However, recent studies from Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore challenge this assumption, revealing prevalence rates similarly found in Western populations with less sunlight, especially during winter.
There is also new research indicating that the foetus is affected by D-vitamin deficiency. Two Swedish studies reported a two to four times increased risk of hypoxia (lack of oxygen) in newborns at low plasma vitamin D levels, one also showed an increased risk of stillbirth.
A study in Finland and Sweden from 1994 to 2021 found that low vitamin D levels were common before 2003. In 2003, vitamin D fortification in certain food products was introduced and doubled in 2010. The incidence of stillbirths decreased significantly after these measures were implemented. Finland saw a decrease from 4.1 to 2.8 stillbirths per 1,000 pregnancies, the lowest rate in Europe. Sweden adopted a similar approach in 2018 with similar results. The study’s large sample size (4.4 million births), dose-dependent effect, and timing support the idea that vitamin D deficiency is a stillbirth risk factor. Potential effects of vitamin D deficiency on the foetus include impaired nutrition transfer across the placenta, cardiac weakness and increased risk of infections. In Việt Nam, stillbirths occur in about 10 per 1,000 of pregnancies according to UNICEF.
In Việt Nam the sun is an abundant source of Vitamin D! However, many try to avoid the sun as it is socially desirable to be pale skinned. This may be related to the socioeconomic development level where dark skin is associated with rural agricultural outdoor work with high levels of sun exposure and pale to more socially desirable urban indoor office work. In high income countries, where a small proportion are agricultural workers and the majority white collar with mainly indoor work, tanned skin is socially desirable as it is connected to higher socioeconomic standards with more leisure time.
There are of course also risk factors of over exposure to sunshine for example skin cancer as malignant melanoma. The sun exposure to maintain healthy levels of vitamin D is however limited, about 15–30 minutes around midday three to four times a week is enough, people with darker skin may need more. This is also the recommended upper limit for sun exposure to prevent skin cancer. Protective measures as sunscreen can be used as it only marginally reduces the Vitamin D uptake but protects well against skin cancer.
In conclusion, addressing vitamin D deficiency requires a multi-faceted approach. Encouraging outdoor activities with sun protection can be beneficial, even more when combined with physical activity. In case it is difficult to acquire the natural source of Vitamin D dietary supplement could be recommended to decrease risk for multiple diseases such as osteoporosis, cancer, diabetes as well as indicated by the research, to reduce risk for stillbirth among pregnant women. Family Medical Practice
*Dr Mattias Larsson is a paediatric doctor at Family Medical Practice and associate professor at Karolinska Institutet and has a long experience in research on infectious diseases. He has worked with the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit and the Ministry of Health of Vietnam. He is fluent in English, Swedish, Vietnamese, German and some Spanish.
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Source: http://ovietnam.vn/life-in-vietnam/vitamin-d-a-lifesaver-for-unborn-children_347874.html
HẢI PHÒNG — Every weekend the “Free Walking Tour” in Hải Phòng City attracts a large number of tourists due to its unique and captivating experiential value.
The Free Walking Tour is a travel concept offered by Vietravel Company in collaboration with the Hải Phòng Department of Tourism and Hải Phòng Railway Station. It aims to provide visitors with a “slow living” experience, allowing them to observe, feel and immerse themselves in the lives of the local people along each route.
During this tour, participants are guided by locals and provided with insights into the history, culture, architectural landmarks and the people of Hải Phòng. Additionally, they get to indulge in the culinary delights showcased on the Food Tour map.
The tour takes visitors to various attractions, including Tam Bạc Lake, the statue of General Lê Chân, a prominent figure who assisted the Trưng sisters in their resistance against foreign invaders from 40-42 AD, and the revitalised ancient An Biên Village, now known as Hải Phòng City. Other notable stops include the Hải Phòng Opera House, the City Museum and the Post Office.
On weekends, Hải Phòng Railway Station welcomes thousands of tourists. Visitors are provided with complimentary travel publications such as food tour maps, caps, t-shirts and promotional vouchers, enhancing their experience of dining and exploring the city.
In addition to promoting tourism through various digital platforms, the Hải Phòng Department of Tourism has launched a culinary map and a check-in location map to stimulate tourism demand. These initiatives aim to provide visitors with comprehensive tour experiences.
According to the municipal Department of Tourism, these tourism products are continuously evolving to offer tourists increasingly unique experiences during their food tours, thereby fostering a desire to revisit Hải Phòng. VNS
Source: http://ovietnam.vn/life-in-vietnam/tourists-enjoy-free-walking-tour-in-hai-phong_350783.html
HẢI PHÒNG — Hải Phòng City, in its efforts to boost tourism within the country, has established connections with three Central Highlands provinces.
According to Vũ Huy Thưởng, deputy director of Hải Phòng Department of Tourism, the city possesses several advantages in linking tourism with the Central Highlands provinces. This is made possible through the Hải Phòng – Buôn Ma Thuột route, as well as numerous flights connecting various provinces and cities nationwide.
Consequently, the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of the three provinces will collaborate in promoting tourism development, enhancing coordination in showcasing and introducing destinations. Local tourism businesses will conduct research and develop products that capitalise on the unique potential and advantages of each locality. This collective effort aims to support the provinces and cities in accelerating their tourism industry’s sustainable and effective development, ultimately establishing them as alluring destinations on Việt Nam’s tourism map.
Hải Phòng City stands out due to its exceptional eco-tourism and island tourism offerings. Recognising the distinctive features of each location, fostering cooperation and partnerships with other regions becomes crucial in expanding markets and exchanging valuable insights for tourism development.
The Central Highlands, renowned for its abundant resources, boasts breathtaking landscapes and a vibrant indigenous culture. Home to 47 ethnic groups, the region holds significant cultural heritage such as the Central Highlands Gong Cultural Space, recognised as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Additionally, it hosts unique traditional festivals like the Elephant Racing Festival and Gongs Festival. VNS
Source: http://ovietnam.vn/life-in-vietnam/hai-phong-connects-tourism-with-three-central-highlands-provinces_350782.html
Trần Khánh An
Valentin Constantinescu, better known by his nickname Chiếc Tây Valentin, regards himself as “a Westerner from Romania with Vietnamese blood.”
The Romanian man does not exaggerate or play on words – after nearly two decades in Việt Nam, he genuinely speaks Vietnamese fluently and profoundly understands this nation like a true Vietnamese.
His story with Việt Nam began in 2004 after graduating from high school, as he got a scholarship to study at the Diplomatic Academy of Việt Nam.
Valentin shared with Việt Nam News that he remembers vividly the heat and humidity of the ambience, as well as numerous motorcycles along the road to the student dormitory on the first day he set foot in Hà Nội.
Valentin was impressed by Hà Nội’s blend of tradition and modernity, which he described as “even more convenient than some developed countries.”
“I can go and stop anywhere, anytime on a motorbike with ease. Even shopping and dining are within easy reach,” he said.
“Even now, the payment system in Việt Nam is impressive,” Valentin added. “As bank transfers and QR code payments are more common, all you truly need to carry is a phone.”
“Vietnamese people are also friendly and hospitable. After the first week in Hà Nội, I decided I would never leave Việt Nam again.”
The 38-year-old now works as an English teacher and a content creator, producing content about Vietnamese culture and his experiences as an expat living in Việt Nam. This role earns him more than half a million followers on all social platforms.
He has also participated in numerous gameshows and television programmes, winning over Vietnamese audiences with his sharp wit, conversational charm and profound knowledge of Việt Nam.
Valentin is also a chàng rể Hà Nội (Hà Nội’s son-in-law) — a term to describe a man marrying a Hà Nội’s woman. After he met his wife in 2016, Cupid immediately shot an arrow to match the couple up, and they married in 2018.
Valentin admitted that adjusting to his role as Hà Nội’s son-in-law was a bit challenging.
“My wife and I can have a loose timetable while we live together. When we visit our wife’s parents, however, we live in a more ordered manner,” he shared.
“However, I believe that regularity and discipline in lifestyle are also unique characteristics of the Hà Nội people.”
Valentin’s seven-year multicultural marriage has given him a nuanced viewpoint of Eastern and Western traditions.
“I realise that both Eastern and Western culture are somehow constraining women,” he said.
In Việt Nam, unlike Western countries, it is not a custom that the wife must acquire her husband’s surname after marriage. However, it is a widely held belief here that when a woman marries, she is expected to care for her husband’s family more, as if her parents had lost a daughter.
“When my wife kept her Vietnamese last name, Phạm, I highly supported my wife’s decision and was so happy for her,” he recalled.
“I also frequently encourage my wife to visit and take care of her family so that her parents do not feel like losing their daughter,” he added.
“If I were a father, I would be happy if my daughter marries a wonderful spouse and has a happy life, rather than suffering with the pain of losing my child.”
Due to the work change, Valentin and his wife moved to HCM City in 2018, and they miss Hà Nội weather and cuisine terribly. Hà Nội truly has cast him under its spell.
“The cold in Hà Nội and the sensation of being bundled up in layers of warm clothing, which also reminds me of Romania, is what I miss most,” Valentin recalled.
“Southern food is a little bit sweet for me, whereas food in Hà Nội is perfect. While some may consider Hà Nội’s delicacies to be bland, the unique aspect of Hà Nội cuisine is that it empowers diners to season and customise their dishes with spices,” he added.
Valentin and his wife both love cooking and share equal footing in the kitchen. She taught him how to prepare Vietnamese dishes, and now he could cook for their family and friends.
He prefers rolls because they are simple to prepare, as well as bordelaise sauce, which is not only a Hà Nội speciality but also reminds him of his time in Europe.
Valentin also hinted to Việt Nam News about his biggest project yet – he plans to travel across Việt Nam and spend at least a few months in each province to explore and introduce the people, culture, and cuisine.
“I want to visit all provinces and cities across the country. I have only lived in two major cities; even when I travel, I have not completely immersed myself and lived as a native resident,” he revealed the reason behind his upcoming project.
As an expat who has lived in Việt Nam for nearly two decades, he is also confident that his unique viewpoint and extensive knowledge of his content can enrich the visitors’ experience compared to other foreign travelling vloggers – who may spend just a few weeks in Việt Nam.
“I hope my videos will offer the audience valuable insights into local customs, culture, and cuisine, proving that Việt Nam is a place worth living.” VNS
Source: http://ovietnam.vn/life-in-vietnam/valentin-constantinescu-a-romanianwith-vietnamese-blood_350744.html
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