CMR says Indians taking too much salt, launches study to address issue

EXCESSIVE salt consumption is fuelling a silent epidemic in India with people at increased risk of hypertension, stroke, heart disease, and kidney disorders, according to scientists from ICMR's National Institute of Epidemiology.

- PAYAL BANERJEE

The scientists have initiated a community-led salt reduction study to address the issue and are focusing on low sodium salt substitutes.

While the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends less than 5 grams of salt per person per day, studies show that urban Indians consume around 9.2 grams/day, and even in rural areas it is around 5.6 grams/day - both higher than recommended.

One promising tool in this effort is low-sodium salt substitutes -- ?blends where part of the sodium chloride is replaced with potassium or magnesium salts, Dr Sharan Murali, a senior scientist at National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE) and principal investigator of the study, said.

"Lesser sodium consumption helps reduce blood pressure and improves overall heart health, making low-sodium alternatives a meaningful switch, especially for those with hypertension," Dr Murali stated.

"Just switching to low-sodium salt can lower blood pressure by 7/4 mmHg on average'?a smail change with a big impact," Dr Murali said.