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New Delhi, Wednesday – Experts have welcomed the latest recommendation by the World Health Organization (WHO) advocating the use of potassium-enriched salt as an effective alternative to sodium, a key contributor to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The guideline suggests replacing regular table salt, rich in sodium, with potassium chloride (K-salt) to mitigate the risks of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as CVDs and chronic kidney disease.
The WHO’s new guidelines highlight the significant impact of high sodium intake on global health, stating that every year, approximately 8 million deaths occur due to poor dietary habits, with 1.9 million directly linked to excessive sodium consumption. The organization recommends limiting sodium intake to less than 2 grams per day—equivalent to approximately 5 grams of salt—and urges a partial replacement of sodium chloride with potassium chloride in dietary consumption.
“High sodium concentration is associated with increased blood pressure, leading to long-term consequences such as hypertension and heart disease,” said Dr. Harshal R. Salve, Additional Professor at the Centre for Community Medicine, AIIMS, New Delhi. He emphasized the need for regulatory measures to promote potassium-based salts, particularly in packaged foods.
The Role of Low-Sodium Salt Substitutes
The WHO guidance underscores the use of lower-sodium salt substitutes (LSSS) as an alternative to regular salt in both discretionary (household) and non-discretionary (processed foods and restaurant meals) settings. Such substitutes, often containing potassium chloride, aim to preserve the flavor of traditional salt while significantly reducing sodium intake. Additionally, these alternatives could also be incorporated into sodium-rich condiments like soy sauce and fish sauce, which are common in various cuisines worldwide.
Research supports the replacement of sodium with potassium chloride as beneficial beyond just sodium reduction, as increased potassium intake is associated with lower blood pressure and reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases.
“LSSS like potassium chloride should be widely promoted,” Dr. Salve asserted, highlighting that “scaling up its use requires a regulatory push, particularly in the packaged food industry.”
Special Considerations and Safety Concerns
While the recommendation to switch to potassium-enriched salts is widely supported, experts caution that this guidance does not extend to certain groups, including pregnant women, children, and individuals with kidney impairments. This is due to limited data on the effects of potassium-based salts in these populations.
Prof. Vivekanand Jha, Executive Director of The George Institute for Global Health India, called for greater accessibility and affordability of potassium-enriched salts to combat the increasing prevalence of hypertension and related health complications, especially in rural areas. He also stressed the importance of further research into the safety and efficacy of these substitutes, particularly for individuals with kidney disease, as excessive potassium intake could lead to hyperkalemia, a condition that can be harmful to those with compromised kidney function.
The WHO has acknowledged these concerns, stating that “it is important to systematically review existing evidence on the health effects of LSSS intake” to ensure safe and effective dietary recommendations.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Individuals with existing health conditions, particularly kidney-related issues, should consult their healthcare providers before making dietary changes involving potassium-enriched salts.
