World Health Organization recommends swapping table salt with lower sodium salt substitutes; but should you? | Health News

The latest guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend using lower-sodium salt substitutes (LSSS) instead of regular table salt, considering its adverse impact on blood pressure and cardiovascular health. “Globally, each year 1.9 million deaths are attributable to high sodium intake. WHO recommends limiting sodium intake to below 2 g/day to reduce blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Despite efforts made Member States to achieve the global target to reduce population sodium intake 30% 2030, progress has been slow,” WHO noted on its site.It added that the mean global sodium intake remains high, estimated to be “4.3 g/day in 2019, more than double the WHO recommendation”.
But what are LSSS? They are alternatives to regular salt such that they contain less sodium than regular salt and often include potassium chloride, with or without other agents, to achieve a flavour similar to regular salt, it read.
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“The replacement of some of the sodium chloride potassium chloride may provide advantages, compared with regular salt, in addition to the sodium-lowering effect. The use of LSSS is increasingly considered national health authorities and public health organisations as a potential sodium reduction strategy to lower blood pressure and CVD risk, and their use is on the rise,” it stated.
Do you measure your blood pressure? (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
However, considering “no global guidance on the use of these substitutes” is available, it noted that concerns have been raised about the safety of LSSS that contain potassium, because too high a level of blood potassium (hyperkalaemia) may be harmful, especially to individuals with impaired kidney function.
So, in such a case, what do experts recommend?
Excessive sodium consumption is a well-established contributor to elevated blood pressure, which significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, reiterated Dr Navneet Kaur, diabetolog, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Chirag Enclave, Delhi.
“WHO recommends that adults consume less than two grams of sodium per day, equivalent to less than five grams of salt (just under a teaspoon). However, average sodium intake is estimated to be around 4.3 grams per day, more than double the recommended amount,” elucidated Dr Kaur.Story continues below this ad
Lower-sodium salt substitutes typically replace a portion of sodium chloride with potassium chloride. “This substitution not only reduces sodium intake but also increases potassium consumption, which has beneficial effects on blood pressure regulation,” said Dr Kaur.
Dr  Narander Singhla, lead consultant, internal medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi shared:
Benefits of low-salt substitutes
*Reduced blood pressure: Excessive sodium consumption can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Low-salt substitutes can help mitigate this risk, said Dr Singhla.
*Weight management: Low-salt substitutes can help reduce water retention, making it easier to manage weight.Story continues below this ad

Using LSSS can lead to reductions in blood pressure and a decreased risk of cardiovascular issues. However, it is important to know that people with certain health conditions, particularly those with kidney disease or those taking medications that affect potassium levels, should exercise caution. Elevated potassium intake can be harmful in such cases.
Types of low-salt substitutes
Potassium-based salts: These salts replace sodium with potassium, which can help lower blood pressure.Herbal salts: Blends of herbs and spices can add flavour to food without increasing sodium content.Salt-free seasonings: Salt-free seasonings can help reduce sodium intake while maintaining flavour, said Dr Singhla.
Precautions and considerations
Taste adjustment: Low-salt substitutes can have a different taste profile, which may fall under acquired taste for some as it takes time to develop a taste for itNutrient balance: Ensure that low-salt substitutes do not compromise other essential nutrients in your diet.Consult a healthcare professional: If you have specific dietary needs or concerns like kidney diseases, consult a healthcare professional before making significant changes, said Dr Singhla.
While adopting LSSS can be a practical approach to reducing sodium intake, experts urge that it should be part of a comprehensive strategy that includes consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limiting the intake of processed foods high in salt. “Additionally, food manufacturers are encouraged to reduce the sodium content in processed foods and consider the use of potassium-based sodium replacers to further decrease sodium levels,” said Dr Kaur.Story continues below this ad
Replacing regular table salt with lower-sodium salt substitutes is a WHO-advised measure that can help reduce blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Nonetheless, it is essential to consider individual health conditions when making dietary changes.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.