WHO Recommends Lower-Sodium Salt | 30 Jan 2025

Source: WHO 

 The WHO has issued guidelines promoting Lower Sodium Salt Substitutes (LSSS) to combat hypertension, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and strokes caused by excessive salt intake.  

• These substitutes, containing potassium chloride, magnesium sulphate, and calcium chloride, help lower sodium without compromising taste. 
• Globally, poor diets cause 8 million deaths annually, with 1.9 million linked to high sodium intake. 

Key Facts About Sodium Salt Consumption: 

• WHO Recommendation: WHO recommends less than 5g of salt (2g sodium) per day for adults. 
  • It encourages governments to integrate LSSS into health programs, encourage use in processed foods, and enhance labelling regulations. 
• India: India has high salt intake (10.4g/day) and low potassium levels contributing to hypertension.  
  • FSSAI is implementing sodium reduction policies, mandating 97% sodium chloride in edible salt, limiting anticaking agents to 2.2%, and enforcing accurate sodium labeling for "low sodium" and "sodium-free" claims. 

Read More:  Limiting Salt Intake