Review Published online: January 20, 2015
Blood Purif 2015;39:16–20 DOI: 10.1159/000368975
Dietary Sodium Intake: Scientific Basis for Public Policy Paul K. Whelton Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, La., USA
Abstract Background/Aims: National and international agencies recommend a reduction in dietary sodium intake. However, some have questioned the wisdom of these policies. The goal of this report was to assess the findings and quality of studies that have examined the relationship between dietary sodium and both blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Methods: Literature review of the available observational studies and randomized controlled trials, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Results: A large body of evidence from observational studies and clinical trials documents a direct relationship between dietary sodium intake and the level of blood pressure, especially in persons with a higher level of blood pressure, African-Americans, and those who are older or have comorbidity, including chronic kidney disease. A majority of the available observational reports support the presence of a direct relationship between dietary sodium intake and cardiovascular disease but the quality of the evidence according to most studies is poor. The limited information available from clinical trials is consistent with a beneficial effect of reduced sodium intake on incidence of cardiovascular disease. Conclusions: The scientific underpinning for policies to reduce the usual intake of dietary sodium is strong. In the United States and many oth-
© 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel 0253–5068/15/0393–0016$39.50/0 E-Mail [email protected] www.karger.com/bpu
er countries, addition of sodium during food processing has led to a very high average intake of dietary sodium, with almost everyone exceeding the recommended goals. National programs utilizing voluntary and mandatory approaches have resulted in a successful reduction in sodium intake. Even a small reduction in sodium consumption is likely to yield sizable improvement in population health. Video Journal Club ‘Cappuccino with Claudio Ronco’ at www.karger.com/?doi=368975. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel
Dietary Sodium Intake Guidelines
National health agencies in more than 40 countries and a variety of international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), recommend a reduction in dietary sodium intake (Na) [1]. WHO recommends
Blood Purif 2015;39:16–20 DOI: 10.1159/000368975
Dietary Sodium Intake: Scientific Basis for Public Policy Paul K. Whelton Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, La., USA
Abstract Background/Aims: National and international agencies recommend a reduction in dietary sodium intake. However, some have questioned the wisdom of these policies. The goal of this report was to assess the findings and quality of studies that have examined the relationship between dietary sodium and both blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Methods: Literature review of the available observational studies and randomized controlled trials, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Results: A large body of evidence from observational studies and clinical trials documents a direct relationship between dietary sodium intake and the level of blood pressure, especially in persons with a higher level of blood pressure, African-Americans, and those who are older or have comorbidity, including chronic kidney disease. A majority of the available observational reports support the presence of a direct relationship between dietary sodium intake and cardiovascular disease but the quality of the evidence according to most studies is poor. The limited information available from clinical trials is consistent with a beneficial effect of reduced sodium intake on incidence of cardiovascular disease. Conclusions: The scientific underpinning for policies to reduce the usual intake of dietary sodium is strong. In the United States and many oth-
© 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel 0253–5068/15/0393–0016$39.50/0 E-Mail [email protected] www.karger.com/bpu
er countries, addition of sodium during food processing has led to a very high average intake of dietary sodium, with almost everyone exceeding the recommended goals. National programs utilizing voluntary and mandatory approaches have resulted in a successful reduction in sodium intake. Even a small reduction in sodium consumption is likely to yield sizable improvement in population health. Video Journal Club ‘Cappuccino with Claudio Ronco’ at www.karger.com/?doi=368975. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel
Dietary Sodium Intake Guidelines
National health agencies in more than 40 countries and a variety of international organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), recommend a reduction in dietary sodium intake (Na) [1]. WHO recommends
