- The WHO estimates that most people consume 200% of the recommended maximum sodium per day.
- Excess intake increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and premature death.
- The only countries that have public policies to reduce salt consumption are Brazil, Chile, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Uruguay.
When talking about food, small changes often make big differences. With this in mind, something seemingly as simple as reducing salt intake is enough to prevent up to 7 million deaths over the next 7 years. Therefore it is one of the maximum indications of health professionals.
Sodium, an essential nutrient, increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and premature death when consumed in excess. The main source of sodium is table salt (sodium chloride), but other seasonings such as sodium glutamate also contain it.
A World Health Organization (WHO) report on reducing sodium intake shows that only 5% of the UN agency’s member states are protected by mandatory sodium reduction policies. While 73% of Member States lack a full range of implementation of such policies.
Compliance with these measures Sodium reduction could save an estimated seven million lives worldwide by 2030. It is an important factor in reducing deaths from noncommunicable diseases, a goal included in the Sustainable Development Goals. One of the drawbacks is that currently only nine countries, Brazil, Chile, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Uruguay, They are fully regulated to reduce sodium intake.
Less salt, less deaths
Unhealthy diets are one of the leading causes of death and disease worldwide, with excessive sodium intake being one of the main culprits. This report shows that most countries have not yet adopted any mandatory sodium reduction policies, leaving their population at risk of heart attack, stroke, and other health problems.
Measures to reduce salt intake
A comprehensive approach to sodium reduction includes the adoption of mandatory policies and a series of measures called Better Buys. They contribute greatly to preventing non-communicable diseases and the main recommendations are the following:
- Reformulate foods to contain less salt and set goals for the amount of sodium in foods and meals.
- Establish public food procurement policies to limit salt or sodium-rich foods in public institutions such as hospitals, schools, workplaces, and nursing homes.
- Add front-of-pack labeling to help consumers select lower sodium products.
- Create communication campaigns to change behavior and reduce salt consumption.
The UN agency encourages countries to set sodium content targets for processed foods, in line with the Global Sodium Reference Points, and to enforce them through these policies.
Mandatory sodium reduction policies are more effective. They achieve broader coverage and protect against commercial interests, while providing a level playing field for food manufacturers.
We consume 200% of what is recommended
The global average salt intake is estimated to be 10.8 grams per day, more than double the WHO recommendation. Excessive salt intake is the leading risk factor for diet- and nutrition-related deaths.
The agency reports that more evidence is emerging documenting links between high sodium intake and increased risk of other health conditions, such as gastric cancer, obesity, osteoporosis and kidney disease.
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