In Focus by The Hindu Why India needs to urgently reduce its salt intake
Feb 11, 2025
Dr. Vivekanand Jha, executive director at the George Institute for Global Health and former president of the International Society of Nephrology, dives into India's pressing need to reduce salt intake. He highlights alarming health risks linked to excessive sodium consumption, which contributes to 1.89 million deaths annually. Jha discusses innovative lower-sodium salt substitutes and their potential benefits, urging a nationwide public health campaign. The conversation also touches on rising ultra-processed foods, nutritional labeling, and the need for consumer empowerment in healthier dietary choices.
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Salt's Impact on Health
- Excessive salt intake is a major risk factor for premature death and disability, driving high blood pressure.
- High salt intake can worsen existing kidney or heart disease and increase risks of stroke, kidney damage, and preeclampsia.
High Salt Intake in India
- Indians consume far more salt than the WHO's recommended 5 grams/day, averaging around 8 grams/day, sometimes reaching 11 grams.
- High salt intake is primarily due to added salt during cooking, table salt, salty snacks, and increasingly, ultra-processed foods.
Lower-Sodium Salt Substitutes
- Lower-sodium salt substitutes replace some sodium chloride with potassium chloride, maintaining taste while reducing sodium.
- Potassium chloride is preferred over magnesium sulfate due to its less bitter taste.