A salt on the senses

Abstract

Salt (NaCl) is essential for normal functioning in humans and the second most used food additive. However, high sodium (Na) consumption is a major contributor to high blood pressure. Globally, correlation exists between excessive sodium consumption and high blood pressure, which leads to possible coronary heart disease, stroke, heart and kidney failure. In the United States, the average daily Na intake is more than 3,400mg (equivalent to 8.5g salt), which exceeds the current maximum recommended intake level (2,300mg/d Na or 5.8g/d salt) established by the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Individuals aged 51 years and older, and those of any age who are African American, or who have hypertension, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease should limit their Na intake to 1,500mg per day. In the US alone, more than 800,000 people die yearly from heart disease, stroke and other vascular diseases, costing a sum of $273 billion in healthcare dollars[1]. Awareness of potential negative effects of high Na consumption is critical for public safety.