Italians postponed in salt consumption, even beyond the limits recommended by the WHO. The World Week for the Reduction of Salt Consumption, until May 19, promoted by the ‘World Action on Salt, Sugar and Health’ (Wassh), an association with partners in 100 countries on different continents established in 2005, aims to raise awareness among the population on daily salt consumption limits. The objective of the campaign is the gradual reduction of salt intake to less than 5 grams per day (corresponding to approximately 2 grams of sodium), the target recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). At a global level – the Ministry of Health recalls on its website – an average daily consumption of salt in 2019 was estimated at 10.78 grams per day (approximately double the amount recommended by the WHO) and that if it were reduced to 5 g per day 1.65 million deaths from cardiovascular diseases could be prevented every year.
“In Italy in the period 2018-2019, through the collection of 24-hour urine in population samples aged 35-74 years residing in 10 Regions, an average daily consumption of salt equal to 9.5 grams in men and women was found 7.2 grams in women, being less than 5 grams per day in only 9% of men and 23% of women – underlines the Ministry of Health. These values are an improvement compared to those found in the period 2008-2012 (10.8 g in men and 8.3 g in women, with a consumption of less than 5 grams per day in 4% of men and 15% of women), although they still remain well above that recommended by the WHO”.
‘Everyone can benefit from its reduction, preferably starting from developmental age’
In fact, excessive salt consumption favors an increase in blood pressure, with a consequent increase in the risk of the onset of serious cardio-cerebrovascular diseases related to arterial hypertension, such as myocardial infarction and stroke, and has been associated with other chronic diseases, such as tumors, particularly of the stomach, osteoporosis and kidney disease. From 2020, Wassh also includes a focus on sugar and excess calories, which aims to reduce the intake of added sugar, thus expanding the commitment to promote healthier eating in countries around the world.
The theme for 2024, ‘It’s time to shine the spotlight on Salt’, aims to remind everyone of the importance of using less salt in cooking and at the table, paying particular attention also to salt already present in everyday foods, and to raise awareness among governments of the need to implement or strengthen policies aimed at reducing the amount of salt in food and to encourage the food industry to reduce the salt content in its products, considering that approximately three-quarters of the salt consumed is already present in processed and packaged foods and in many countries, it reaches 80%.
Wassh also underlines “that excessive salt consumption is not just a problem of older generations; in fact, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity, everyone can benefit from its reduction and the sooner we adapt to a low salt content, preferably starting from developmental age, less damage is caused to the heart and other organs”. It is possible to choose packaged products with a lower salt content and reduce the consumption of food products that may contain a lot of salt ( soy sauces, ketchup, salad dressings, cured meats, ready-made sauces, canned or pre-cooked foods). You can also refine your favorite recipes, or create equally tasty new ones, using spices and aromatic herbs instead of salt.
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