In England, the fight against salt has borne fruit: the salt intake has fallen by 15% in 10 years. Over the same period, the number of deaths from stroke and heart disease also fell.
Less salt, less fatalities. Thanks to a study published on April 14 in the BMJ Open, the United Kingdom, especially England, can be congratulated. Daily salt consumption has fallen by 15% in 10 years according to the Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine in London (United Kingdom). Over the same period, deaths from cardiovascular disease or stroke have decreased by 40%. It’s no coincidence, say the researchers: the fight against too much salt has paid off.
-1.4 grams on average
Between 2003 and 2011, 31,500 English people detailed their lifestyles. The start date of the study corresponds to the implementation of national recommendations. Since 2003, the UK has been fighting to reduce salt consumption. This was also calculated in a second group of 3,000 people, who provided urine samples.
BMI has improved over 10 years. Apart from this risk factor, all the others have declined. These, in addition to improved treatments for arterial hypertension (hypertension), have helped reduce mortality from cardiovascular disease. Salt holds a special place in these good results, according to the researchers. As we know, a diet too rich in this condiment increases blood pressure … and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease or stroke. And precisely, the daily intake fell by 1.4 grams on average.
Still too much salt
“The reduction in salt intake probably contributed significantly to the fall in blood pressure in England from 2003 to 2011”, say the researchers. “As a result, it may have played an important role in reducing mortality from stroke or ischemic heart disease during the period. There is no question of slackening the effort: the English still consume too much salt with, on average, 2 grams more than the recommendations (6 g per day). And according to the results of the questionnaires, almost three quarters of the English population eats too much salt: 8 out of 10 men and 6 out of 10 women. In France, the same observation: in 2013, the French consumed on average 8.7 grams and the French women. 6.7 grams. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting yourself to 5 grams per day. Prepared foods, often too loaded with salt, are considered the primary culprits. The heavy hand of some on the salt shaker does the rest. “Continued and greater efforts are needed to achieve further reduction in consumption,” the study authors conclude.
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