Heart Health

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended replacing regular table salt with potassium-enriched, lower-sodium salt substitutes to combat hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. The George Institute for Global Health India has strongly endorsed this initiative, emphasizing its potential to save lives, particularly in countries like India, where high sodium intake and low potassium consumption contribute to widespread health issues. A study conducted by The George Institute for Global Health India, in collaboration with PGIMER Chandigarh, highlights the urgent need for dietary changes in India. It found that salt consumption is significantly above recommended levels, while potassium intake remains insufficient, fueling hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease. This research is part of a larger effort to understand how India’s dietary habits are linked to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Prof. Vivekanand Jha, Executive Director of The George Institute for Global Health India, stated, “To tackle hypertension and heart and kidney disease, especially in rural areas, we must make low-sodium, potassium-enriched salts affordable and accessible. By working with policymakers and the food industry, and educating the public with clear labeling and subsidies, we can save lives and promote a healthier future.” He also emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and efficacy of salt substitutes, particularly for people with kidney disease. The Salt Substitute in India Study (SSiIS) examined the impact of reduced-sodium, potassium-enriched salt substitutes on blood pressure in rural hypertensive patients. Initial data from the study showed excessive sodium intake, with urinary salt excretion levels at 10.4 g/day—more than double the WHO’s recommended intake. The study found that using salt substitutes was an effective and cost-efficient method to manage hypertension, particularly in high-risk populations. The study, led by Sudhir Raj Thout, Research Fellow at The George Institute for Global Health India, involved 502 hypertensive participants from rural India. Results showed that participants using the reduced-sodium, potassium-enriched salt substitutes for three months experienced notable reductions in both systolic (4.6 mmHg) and diastolic (1.1 mmHg) blood pressure. Additionally, urinary potassium levels and the sodium-to-potassium ratio improved. Participants also found the taste of the substitutes acceptable. Sudhir Raj Thout added, “The WHO’s guidance on lower-sodium salt substitutes is crucial for India, as it offers a simple and affordable solution to lower blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular risks amid the current high levels of sodium intake.” Global and Indian research supports the benefits of potassium-enriched salt substitutes in reducing blood pressure without compromising taste. These substitutes offer a cost-effective and accessible intervention, though individuals with advanced kidney disease should avoid them. The George Institute for Global Health India continues to advocate for potassium-enriched salts, collaborating with policymakers, healthcare providers, and the food industry to promote healthier dietary habits. Source: Express healthcare Photo Credit: Express healthcare