Salt won’t kill you, researchers say

We now have reason not to feel guilty when we add an extra pinch of salt to our dinner as new research has found reducing salt intake will not lead to a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases or premature death.

An analysis, published by the Cochrane Library, found there was no strong evidence to suggest salt reduction reduced mortality or morbidity from cardiovascular disease in people with normal or high blood pressure.

The review, led by Rod Taylor at the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry, looked at seven studies which examined 6,500 participants.

They found while sodium reduction did produce a small blood pressure decline, there was insufficient evidence to determine whether the reduction of salt intake increased or decreased cardiovascular mortality.

“The people we analysed in the trials only reduced their salt intake by a moderate amount, so the effect on blood pressure and heart disease was not large,” Mr Taylor said.

Researchers said a future study including 18,000 participants would be needed to draw firmer conclusions.

“With governments setting ever lower targets for salt intake and food manufacturers working to remove it from their products, it’s really important that we do some large research trials to get a full understanding of the benefits and risks of reducing salt intake,” Mr Taylor said.

However despite the study’s surprising findings, Robert Walker from the University of Otago’s School of Medicine in New Zealand, said people needed to remain cautious of their salt intake.

“Lowering salt intake can reduce blood pressure. However, blood pressure is not the only cardiovascular risk and therefore it has to be seen in the global context of reducing risk not as the sole intervention to reduce heart attacks,” Mr Walker said.

Reduced risk ratios indicated moderate salt reduction would be beneficial but the sample size was too small for the trend to be conclusive.

High blood pressure or hypertension is a major risk factor for the world’s number one cardiovascular disease killers, such as heart failure, heart attacks and stroke.

In Australia, the National Health and Medical Research Council revealed adults consume between four and six grams of salt per day, but data from the Australian Division of World Action on Salt and Health showed Australian men consume up to 10 grams per day and women up to seven grams.

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