Context: The Department of Nutrition and Food Safety (NFS) of the World Health Organization (WHO) has launched its new guideline on the use of lower-sodium salt substitutes (LSSS).
- WHO guidelines on sodium set healthy intake thresholds and recommend measures to improve diets, aiming to prevent noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in adults and children.
- The first Global Report on Sodium Intake Reduction was published in 2023.
- WHO has developed a Sodium Country Score Card to monitor countries’ progress in reducing sodium intake.
- India is categorized under Voluntary Measures to reduce sodium, which includes strategies to lower sodium in the food supply and encourage consumers to make healthier food choices regarding sodium.
Recommendations for salt reduction
- WHO recommends:
- Adults: Less than 2000 mg of sodium/day (less than 5 g of salt/day, just under a teaspoon).
- Children (2–15 years): Adjust the adult dose based on their energy needs (excluding exclusive breastfeeding or complementary feeding periods).
- LSSS contain less sodium than regular salt by replacing sodium chloride with potassium chloride (KCl) or other minerals.
- All salt consumed should be iodized to support healthy brain development in fetuses and young children and optimize mental function in general.
About Sodium
- It is essential for maintaining plasma volume, acid-base balance, nerve transmission, and cell function.
- Sodium deficiency is rare in healthy individuals.
- Excess sodium is linked to health issues like high blood pressure.
- Primary sources of dietary sodium depend on cultural and dietary habits.
- Naturally found in foods like milk, meat, and shellfish, but high in processed foods (e.g., breads, processed meats, snacks) and condiments (e.g., soy and fish sauces).
- Sodium glutamate is a common additive in many foods.