Reducing Sodium: A Step Toward Healthier Futures

A WHO study highlights the impact of reducing sodium intake in India, estimating significant health benefits and cost savings. Despite dietary risks from high sodium consumption, India lacks a national reduction strategy. The research advocates for implementing WHO's sodium benchmarks, aiming to help prevent non-communicable diseases.

According to a recent World Health Organization study, adhering to recommended sodium intake levels could prevent up to three lakh deaths from heart and chronic kidney disease in a decade. The study, published in The Lancet Public Health, underscores sodium's role in health risks.

Excessive sodium, mainly from salt, is identified as a major dietary risk, prevalent in packaged foods across both high and low-income countries. Surprisingly, despite high sodium consumption, India lacks a national strategy for reduction, a concern highlighted by researchers from The George Institute for Global Health.

While the WHO advises limiting sodium to under two grams daily, equivalent to less than a teaspoon of salt, the study reveals potential substantial health benefits, including averting 17 lakh cardiovascular events and significant cost savings. Researchers urge India to enforce WHO sodium benchmarks amid rising packaged food consumption.

(With inputs from agencies.)