Eating half the recommended amount of salt per day could increase the risk of heart attacks, scientists warn
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/21/eating-half-the-recommended-amount-of-salt-per-day-could-increas/21 May 2016 • 9:39am
People who cut back their salt intake to half the recommended amount per day may be more at risk of having a heart attack or stroke, scientists have warned.
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Eating less than three grams of salt a day could lead to serious health problems in the future, according to a new study, which found current health recommendations appear to be confined only to those who have high blood pressure.
The global analysis of more than 130,000 people found that there were more heart attacks, strokes and deaths among those whose intake was lower than the average amount.
"While our data highlights the importance of reducing high salt intake in people with hypertension, it does not support reducing salt intake to low levels"Professor Andrew Mente
Professor Andrew Mente, an epidemiologist at McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, described the findings as “extremely important”.
He said: "While our data highlights the importance of reducing high salt intake in people with hypertension, it does not support reducing salt intake to low levels.
"Our findings are important because they show that lowering sodium is best targeted at those with hypertension who also consume high sodium diets."
Food companies across the globe have been under increasing pressure to cut back on salt amid claims it causes high blood pressure, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The current average intake in the UK is around eight grams per adult per day. The recommended daily limit is six grams.
The latest study, which used data from 49 countries, looked at whether the relationship between salt intake and death, heart disease and strokes differs among people with high and normal blood pressure.
Previous studies have shown low intake is related to increased cardiovascular risk and mortality, even though it is associated with lower blood pressure.
But the new research shows that the risks associated with intake, when eating less than three grams per day, are consistent regardless of a patient's blood pressure.
"An approach that recommends salt in moderation, particularly focused on those with hypertension, appears more in-line with current evidence"Dr Martin O'Donnell
Prof Mente said around 10 per cent of the population in the global study had both high blood pressure and high salt consumption. This suggests the majority of people are eating the right amount.
He added targeted salt reduction in those most susceptible because of hypertension and high salt consumption may be better than reducing intake in most countries, apart from where the average is very high such as parts of central Asia or China.
Prof Mente said: "Low sodium intake reduces blood pressure modestly, compared to average intake, but low sodium intake also has other effects, including adverse elevations of certain hormones which may outweigh any benefits.
"The key question is not whether blood pressure is lower with very low salt intake, instead it is whether it improves health.”
Dr Martin O'Donnell, the paper’s co-author, said: "This study adds to our understanding of the relationship between salt intake and health, and questions the appropriateness of current guidelines that recommend low sodium intake in the entire population.
"An approach that recommends salt in moderation, particularly focused on those with hypertension, appears more in-line with current evidence."
