Reducing sodium in common foods like takeout and canned goods can prevent huge numbers of heart attacks and strokes.
The changes would be so subtle that most people wouldn’t even notice them, yet they could have a major impact on public health.
Two new studies, one in France and one in the United Kingdom, show how modest reductions in salt across the food supply could lower blood pressure, prevent cardiovascular disease and save many lives.
Eating too much sodium is a leading contributor to high blood pressure. Sodium is a “hidden” ingredient, meaning, foods you’d never think were high in sodium are actually pretty high.
For instance, condiments can have a relatively hard punch of sodium in only one teaspoon.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, dementia and other serious health problems.
Foods notorious for a high salt content include boxed goods such as rice mixes, canned soup and canned vegetables. But bread, too, can go a long way at contributing to an overall high sodium intake.
Sodium Reduction in Packaged Foods and Takeout Meals in the UK
A separate study in the United Kingdom examined packaged foods and takeaway meals.
Researchers calculated how daily salt intake would change if all relevant food categories met the 2024 sodium reduction targets.
The targets applied to 84 grocery categories like bread, cheese, meats and snacks, as well as 24 out-of-home foods, including burgers, pizza and curries.
If fully met, average daily salt intake would drop from 6.1 grams to 4.9 grams per person — a 17.5 percent reduction.
Men were projected to see slightly bigger reductions than women, since men typically consume more salt.
Even these modest reductions would slightly lower blood pressure across the population. Over time, the health benefits could accumulate significantly.
Projected Health and Economic Gains
Modeling over 20 years suggested that about 103,000 cases of ischemic heart disease and 25,000 strokes could be prevented in the UK.
By reducing salt in common foods, governments and food manufacturers can improve health outcomes without relying on individual behavior change, which can be difficult to maintain.
Small, systematic adjustments to everyday foods can create big public health benefits.
Researchers note some limitations, however, in their investigations. Survey data may underestimate sodium intake, especially from restaurants and takeout foods.
And while models estimate potential benefits, real-world outcomes depend on full compliance with targets and other factors like diet patterns or bread consumption.
Nevertheless, it’s been known for decades that a high sodium diet is damaging to the cardiovascular system.
