India Faces Silent Salt Crisis, Warns ICMR-NIE

New Delhi [India], July 13 (ANI): The Indian Council of Medical Research, National Institute of Epidemiology ( ICMR-NIE ), has introduced a community-driven Salt Reduction initiative Following research findings indicating that the typical daily consumption of salt in both city and village areas of India surpasses the World Health Organization's advised maximum of 5 grams.

The World Health Organization ( WHO It suggests that individuals should consume fewer than 5 grams of salt daily. Research indicates that the typical consumption in India stays elevated, approximately 9.2 grams per day in cities and 5.6 grams in villages, with both figures surpassing the advised amount.

"Excessive consumption of sodium greatly raises the chances of developing high blood pressure, strokes, heart diseases, and kidney problems, which makes reducing salt an important national focus. A potential solution in this campaign is the use of low-sodium salt substitutes—mixtures that replace some of the sodium chloride with salts containing potassium or magnesium." "Reducing sodium intake can lower blood pressure and enhance general cardiovascular health, so switching to low-sodium options represents a significant change, particularly for individuals suffering from hypertension," stated Dr. Sharan Murali , Lead Researcher of the study, ICMR-NIE .

"Switching to low-sodium salt can reduce blood pressure by an average of 7/4 mmHg—a minor adjustment with significant effects," he noted.

A project has been initiated by the ICMR-NIE In Punjab and Telangana, assess how effective structured salt reduction counseling provided by healthcare workers at Health and Wellness Centers is in lowering blood pressure and sodium consumption among individuals with high blood pressure.

"In response to this challenge, we initiated a three-year program in Punjab and Telangana, backed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The objective is to assess how effective structured guidance for lowering salt consumption, provided by healthcare professionals at Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs), is in decreasing blood pressure and sodium levels in people suffering from high blood pressure," said Dr. Murali.

At present, the program is in its initial phase, concentrating on baseline evaluations and preparing for fieldwork. "The counselling resources have not been finalized yet; instead, our objective is to collaboratively develop the intervention strategy with community health workers, utilizing their insights and integrating their input. It goes beyond simply providing health information—it involves listening, comprehending, and working collectively," explained Dr. Murali.

"In order to make sure our efforts are based on real-world conditions, we carried out a market study at 300 retail stores in Chennai to check the presence and cost of low-sodium salt (LSS). The findings showed that LSS could be found in just 28% of these stores. While it was present in 52% of large supermarkets, it appeared in only 4% of smaller convenience shops," it stated.

LSS cost an average of Rs 5.6 for every 100 grams, which was over two times higher than regular iodized salt priced at Rs 2.7 per 100 grams. The results point out a significant gap between supply and demand.

"Decreased demand for low-sodium salt could result in reduced availability—it serves as an indicator of both knowledge and accessibility," says Dr. Murali.

Encouraging Change Through Small Adjustments. In an effort to initiate discussions about reducing sodium intake, we recently introduced the PinchForAChange initiative on Twitter and LinkedIn via ICMR-NIE "Using charts, statistics, and straightforward information, the initiative seeks to highlight concealed sources of sodium, encourage the use of lower-sodium options, and help people take steps toward healthier cardiovascular decisions," he said.

"Should this initiative succeed, it may result in incorporating eco-friendly nutritional guidance frameworks within the current public healthcare infrastructure. It has the potential to close the divide between understanding and implementation, enhance health awareness, and eventually alleviate the impact of high blood pressure-associated illnesses. This goes beyond merely cutting down on sodium; it focuses on reinstating equilibrium in our eating habits, societal structures, and cardiovascular well-being. United, bit by bit, we have the power to bring about enduring transformation," stated the Study’s Lead Researcher. ICMR-NIE . (ANI)

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