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Most Americans consume substantially more salt than is recommended or needed. Reducing high sodium consumption among Americans is a very complex national issue that will take efforts from various sectors—both public and private. Reducing the sodium content of foods is critical in protecting the health of Americans, which is why the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) along with other health and human service agencies will be working with major food manufacturers and chain restaurants to reduce sodium levels in the food supply. If people are aware of the upper limit of their daily recommended sodium intake and nutritional labels reflect that limit, they can take informed steps to reduce the amount of sodium in their diet. A new CDC study found that the recommended sodium intake of no more than 1,500 mg/day applies to more than two thirds of the US adult population. This study is the first to use na-tional data to show that at least 69.2% of the adult population belong to a specific population group, including persons with high blood pressure, blacks, or middle-aged and older adults, that should aim to consume no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day. Dietary sodium intake is important because higher consumption of sodium is strongly associated with increase in the risk of having higher blood pressure, a leading cause for heart disease and strokes—the first and third leading causes of death in the United States. Healthcare providers make sure their patients are aware of this evidence.
(Source: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, March 26, 2009, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
