If governments take far-reaching measures to reduce salt intake now, it could save as many as seven million lives by 2030.
We still eat way too much salt, with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. “Unhealthy diet is one of the leading causes of death and disease worldwide, and excessive sodium intake is one of the main culprits,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO). Yet too little action is being taken to limit salt intake, according to the WHO. And that while a comprehensive package of measures could save millions of lives.
Salt is bad
In the meantime, many studies have already shown that excessive salt intake is bad for health. For example, there is substantial evidence that eating a lot of salt can lead to high blood pressure – a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In addition to increased blood pressure, consuming too much salt leads to higher inflammatory values. It increases the risk of being overweight and also adversely affects other risk factors that can lead to heart disease. Moreover, it can also lead to other serious health problems such as stomach cancer, obesity, osteoporosis and kidney disease. The current recommendation is therefore not to consume more than 5 grams per day.
Global salt intake
The global average salt intake is estimated to be 10.8 grams per day. That is more than double the WHO guideline to consume less than 5 grams of salt per day (one teaspoon).
However, this does not prevent many people from eating less salt. Moreover, not many countries are taking action. For example, a newly released WHO report shows that few WHO member states have a mandatory and comprehensive salt reduction policy. It concerns only nine countries: Brazil, Chile, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Uruguay. In no fewer than 73 percent of WHO member states, such a policy is completely absent. “The report shows that most countries have not yet adopted mandatory salt reduction policies,” said Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “So their residents are at risk of heart attack, stroke and other health problems.”
Saving millions of lives
According to the WHO, this is a bad thing. It also means the world is not on track to meet the global target of reducing salt intake by 30 percent by 2025. Existing government plans are simply not adequate enough in many countries. And that while this could significantly reduce the number of deaths. If governments did take measures to reduce salt intake, this could save as many as seven million lives worldwide by 2030.
Action points
With the new report, the WHO hopes to put the subject more in the spotlight. They also call on countries to take measures. These include: 1) reducing the amount of salt in foods and meals, 2) limiting the purchase of high-salt or sodium-rich foods in public institutions, such as hospitals, schools, workplaces, and nursing homes, 3) clear labeling on the front of packaging that help consumers choose products with a lower salt content, 4) campaigns to reduce salt intake.
Zoutreduction policy
The WHO also encourages countries to set an upper limit for salt content (based on WHO guidelines) in processed foods and then enforce this through policy. “Mandatory reduction policies are most effective because they provide broad coverage and protect commercial interests, while at the same time providing a level playing field for food producers,” the WHO said in a statement. As part of the report, WHO has developed a scorecard for Member States based on the policies they have in place. In this way they hope to encourage countries to take action.
“The WHO calls on all countries to implement salt reduction policies,” emphasizes Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “We also ask food manufacturers to adhere to WHO guidelines.”
In short, huge efforts are needed to reduce salt intake and save lives. “This important report demonstrates the urgent need for countries to implement ambitious, mandatory, government-led salt reduction policies,” said Tom Frieden, president and CEO of Resolve to Save Lives, a non-profit organization working with countries to prevent 100 million deaths from cardiovascular disease within 30 years. “There are proven measures that governments can implement. In addition, low-sodium salts already exist. The world needs to take action – and do it now. Otherwise, many more people will have fatal – but preventable – heart attacks and strokes.”
…about salt and why it is harmful to health? Read more about it here!