The world is on track to achieve its global target of reducing sodium intake by 30 per cent by 2025, which could save millions of lives globally, according to a first-of-its-kind report by the World Health Organization (WHO). essential for. , Sodium, an essential nutrient, has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and premature death when consumed in excess. The main source of sodium is table salt (sodium chloride), but it is also part of other seasonings such as sodium glutamate, which is naturally found in some foods and is also used as a flavor enhancer.
The global average salt intake is estimated to be 10.8 grams per day, which is more than double the World Health Organization recommendation of less than 5 grams of salt (one teaspoon) per day.
The report shows that only 5 percent of WHO member states are protected by mandatory and comprehensive sodium reduction policies and 73 percent of members do not have the full range of implementation of such policies. WHO said India has mandatory declaration of sodium on pre-packaged food but no other mandatory measures.
The report states that implementing highly cost-effective sodium reduction policies could save an estimated seven million lives globally by 2030.
It is an important component of action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of reducing deaths from non-communicable diseases. However, according to the report, only nine countries – Brazil, Chile, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Uruguay – have a comprehensive package of recommended policies to reduce sodium intake.
“Unhealthy diet is a leading cause of death and disease globally, and excessive sodium intake is one of the main culprits,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “This report shows that most countries have not yet adopted mandatory sodium reduction policies, putting their people at risk of heart attack, stroke and other health problems,” Ghebreyesus said in a statement.
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WHO calls on all countries to implement ‘Best Buy’ for sodium reduction and on manufacturers to implement WHO benchmarks for sodium content in food. A comprehensive approach to sodium reduction includes the adoption of mandatory policies and WHO’s four “Best Buy” interventions related to sodium that contribute greatly to preventing non-communicable diseases. These include reformulating low-salt foods, setting targets for the amount of sodium in foods and meals, and limiting salt or sodium-rich foods in public institutions such as hospitals, schools, workplaces, and nursing homes. Establishing food procurement policies. ,
WHO also recommends front-of-package labeling that helps consumers choose products that are lower in sodium, and behavior change communication and mass media campaigns to reduce sodium consumption. The WHO said that eating too much salt makes it the top risk factor for diet and nutrition-related deaths. The global health agency said more evidence is emerging between high sodium intake and an increased risk of other health conditions such as gastric cancer, obesity, osteoporosis and kidney disease.