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The evidence mounts

There is now growing evidence that the Government has “got it wrong” on its most high profile public health campaign of recent years – its £6.5 million attacks on salt.

A substantial group of reputable academic and scientific experts has been saying it for years. But now, two new studies have quite independently found that higher salt intakes do not increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. In fact, they suggest that lower salt intake actually raises mortality rates. In other words, acting on the Government’s advice may kill you!

In the media

High profile newspapers reported on the new evidence:

Daily Express (6 July 2011)
Daily Mail (6 July 2011)

Daily Mirror (6 June 2011)

Daily Mail (5 May 2011)

A new Reuters Special Report exposes ‘a pinch of doubt’ over the link between salt intake and health problems. Kate Kelland’s well-researched and balanced article highlights the need for governments to conduct proper research rather than pursue an unproven salt-reduction experiment on public health. Download the PDF here

A Belgian study followed 3,681 participants across Europe to assess whether 24-hour urinary sodium excretion predicts blood pressure and health outcomes. It found that blood pressure can be raised slightly in the short term, but lower salt intake increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. Read more here.

The latest study, a Cochrane review, finds that moderate reductions in salt intake do not reduce the likelihood of dying or experiencing cardiovascular disease. The systematic review, authored by Professor Rod Taylor from Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry in the UK, found no strong evidence to support the idea that salt reduction reduces cardiovascular disease or all-cause mortality in people with normal or raised blood pressure saying: “Intensive support and encouragement to reduce salt intake did lead to a reduction in salt eaten and a small reduction in blood pressure after more than six months.”

As the report tracked individuals over a relatively short period of time, it concludes by calling for more research to understand the long-term implications: “With governments setting ever lower targets for salt intake, and food manufacturers working to remove it from their products, it’s really important that we do some large research trials to get a full understanding of the benefits and risks of reducing salt intake”.

“It is increasingly clear that the Government’s case is built on shaky foundations,” says Peter Sherratt of the Salt Association. “With major doubts emerging, the salt reduction policy cannot continue without a substantial, independent study to set the record straight once and for all.

”It is eight years since the Government reviewed the evidence against salt in a Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) report. Even at the time, eminent professors raised serious doubts about the conclusions. Today, the evidence has become even more compelling.Yet still the UK Government presses on with its drive for the public to cut back to 6g of salt a day. Is it working?"

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