Switching the world’s salt supply: Scaling up the use of potassium-enriched salt
Background
Leading international scientific organisations and national governments worldwide recognise that reducing population sodium intake is a key priority to prevent and control noncommunicable diseases.
Reducing sodium consumption is particularly important for low- and middle-income countries as the burden of excess sodium intake is disproportionately severe due to limited access to health resources and effective treatments. Marginalised and underserved communities also face heightened risks because of dietary, economic, and systemic challenges, exacerbating their health disparities.
Despite global efforts to reduce salt intakes, progress has been slow due to a lack of practical interventions.
Switching regular salt to potassium-enriched salt is likely to be the most effective solution based on a growing body of evidence:
Salt Substitute in India Study (SSiIS) – A randomised controlled trial
China Salt Substitute and Stroke Study (SSaSS)
Aim
To generate evidence for and scale up the switch to potassium-enriched salt across the global food supply.
Research Methodology
The project will work to increase availability, accessibility, awareness and acceptability of potassium-enriched salt worldwide.
This involves engaging multidisciplinary stakeholders including civil society organisations, governments, healthcare professionals, and food industry to understand the barriers and opportunities to switching the world’s salt supply to potassium-enriched salt.
