Sodium intake, health implications, and the role of population-level strategies

Evidence to date suggests that high sodium intake affects health adversely, yet the role of a population-level strategy to reduce sodium intake is often contested. This review focuses on current available evidence on regional sodium intake levels, health implications of sodium intake, and population-level strategies implemented worldwide. The limitations in evidence, the difficulties in implementing population-wide strategies to reduce sodium intake, and the need for such strategies are critically reviewed. Evidence clearly shows that sodium has an adverse effect on blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and mortality. However, whether reduced sodium intake benefits all individuals or only hypertensive individuals is still unclear. Methodological issues and publication bias in current evidence are other matters of concern in sodium-related research. While it is essential to continue working toward the World Health Organization's target of 30% reduction in sodium intake, due consideration should be given to improving the quality of research, reducing bias in publications, and reviewing evidence more critically.

Automated summary

The evidence to date shows that high sodium intake has adverse effects on health, particularly on blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and mortality. Implementing population-level strategies to reduce sodium intake is challenging, and it remains unclear whether reducing sodium intake benefits all individuals or only hypertensive individuals. Methodological issues and publication bias in current evidence are concerns in sodium-related research. Efforts to reduce sodium intake should consider improving research quality, reducing bias in publications, and critically reviewing evidence.