A new solution to an old problem
Advice to eat less salt (sodium chloride) is not new. It has been part of international and Australian guidelines for decades. This is because evidence clearly shows the sodium in salt can harm our health when we eat too much of it.
Excess sodium increases the risk of high blood pressure, which affects millions of Australians (around one in three adults). High blood pressure (hypertension) in turn increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease, among other conditions.
The WHO estimates 1.9 million deaths globally each year can be attributed to eating too much salt.
Enter potassium-enriched salt
The main lower-sodium salt substitute is called potassium-enriched salt. This is salt where some of the sodium chloride has been replaced with potassium chloride.
Potassium is an essential mineral playing a key role in all the body’s functions. The high potassium content of fresh fruit and vegetables is one of the main reasons they’re so good for you. While people are eating more sodium than they should, many don’t get enough potassium.
The WHO recommends a daily potassium intake of 3.5g, but on the whole, people in most countries consume significantly less than this.
Potassium-enriched salt benefits our health by cutting the amount of sodium we consume, and increasing the amount of potassium in our diets. Both help to lower blood pressure.
Making the switch: some challenges
If fully implemented, this could be one of the most consequential pieces of advice the WHO has ever provided.
Millions of strokes and heart attacks could be prevented worldwide each year with a simple switch to the way we prepare foods. But there are some obstacles to overcome before we get to this point.
First, it will be important to balance the benefits and the risks. For example, people with advanced kidney disease don’t handle potassium well and so these products are not suitable for them. This is only a small proportion of the population, but we need to ensure potassium-enriched salt products are labelled with appropriate warnings.
A key challenge will be making potassium-enriched salt more affordable and accessible. Potassium chloride is more expensive to produce than sodium chloride, and at present, potassium-enriched salt is mostly sold as a niche health product at a premium price.
Conclusion
If the WHO guideline is fully implemented, it could be one of the most significant public health initiatives in history. The benefits of switching to potassium-enriched salt are clear, and the challenges are worth overcoming. With a concerted effort from governments, food manufacturers, and consumers, we can make a significant impact on public health.
FAQs
Q: What is potassium-enriched salt?
A: Potassium-enriched salt is a type of salt where some of the sodium chloride has been replaced with potassium chloride.
Q: Why is potassium-enriched salt recommended?
A: Potassium-enriched salt is recommended because it can help reduce the amount of sodium we consume, and increase the amount of potassium in our diets. Both of these benefits can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
Q: Is potassium-enriched salt suitable for everyone?
A: No, potassium-enriched salt is not suitable for everyone. People with advanced kidney disease should not use potassium-enriched salt products, as they may not handle potassium well. It is important to follow the label instructions and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
Q: How can I get potassium-enriched salt?
A: Potassium-enriched salt is available in some health food stores and online. It may also be available in some supermarkets, but it is not yet widely available. You can also check with your local health authority or government website to see if it is available in your area.