Minimizing Salt Intake Could Save Over One Million Lives Annually Worldwide
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iStockphoto/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — Researchers say that minimizing salt intake could help prevent upwards of 1.5 million deaths each year.
According to the study, published this week in the New England Journal of Medicine, taking in less than 2,000 milligrams of sodium each day could reduce high blood pressure for most Americans. On average, the researchers say, Americans take in nearly twice the recommended amount of salt daily. Furthermore, approximately 58,000 Americans die each year due to diseases linked to high salt consumption.
Worldwide, researchers say, an estimated 1.65 million cardiovascular deaths in 2010 were attributable to excess sodium intake.
Researchers say further evidence must be collected to determine potential risks and benefits of low-sodium diets, but that adhering to existing World Health Organization recommendations of 2,000 milligrams per day is the best option until further investigation can be done.
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