UK scientists advise cutting salt intake

Scientists in the UK have suggested the UN should make cutting salt intake a top health priority for the world.

A report published in the British Medical Journal, written by some researchers from the University of Warwick and the University of Liverpool, suggested that the two most cost effective ways of improving global health are cutting the use of tobacco and reducing the amount of salt intake.

The researchers indicate that salt intake is directly linked to high blood pressure, which in turn is linked to the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney problems.

The report suggests that a 15% reduction in the amount of salt consumption could potentially save 8.5 million lives in the next ten years. It suggests that steps should be taken by the UN to encourage salt reduction by the food industry and if that isn't successful they should consider enforcing these changes.

The researchers believe that in the US alone, reducing the salt intake by a third could improve people's health and potentially save tens of thousands lives every year. Furthermore it could save approximately $24 billion in health care costs every year.

Recent salt reduction programmes have been successfully introduced in Japan, Portugal and Finland. They have all led to substantial reductions in blood pressure in the populations of the countries.

The researchers have indicated that for the changes to be successful, the food industry needs to be engaged in the process and have suggested that some education may be needed. The report has already received criticism from some industry bodies such as the Salt Institute.

 

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Retirement Solutions (UK) Ltd are independent financial advisers that specialise in financial products for the over 50s. Visit the web site at www.retirementsolutions.co.uk

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