Overview
- Two modeling analyses in Hypertension, using U.K. and French data, estimate that small, industry-led sodium reductions would lower population blood pressure and curb cardiovascular risk.
- If U.K. 2024 salt targets were fully met, average intake would drop by about 1.12 g per day, preventing roughly 103,000 ischemic heart disease cases and 25,000 strokes over 20 years while saving the NHS about £1 billion.
- France’s bread reformulation agreement targeting 1.1–1.4 g salt per 100 g is estimated to cut daily intake by 0.35 g, reduce systolic pressure by about 0.21 mm Hg, and avert thousands of hospitalizations.
- Researchers and clinicians note most dietary sodium comes from packaged and restaurant foods, so gradual reformulation can yield large health gains without noticeable changes in taste.
- Experts urge consumers to read labels, prioritize fresh foods, and consider potassium-based salt substitutes, as U.S. intake averages about 3,500 mg daily versus the AHA limit of 2,300 mg.