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Reducing population sodium/salt intake

Excess sodium intake leads to increased blood pressure, and increased blood pressure results in increased risks of cardiovascular diseases.  In 2013, Member States adopted the Global action plan for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases 2013-2020, to take coordinated action at all levels, to attain nine voluntary global targets, including a 30% relative reduction in mean population intake of sodium by 2025 with a goal of <2000mg/day.  Sodium reduction has since been recognized by WHO as one of the “best buys” in global public health, yielding an estimated return on investment of USD$13-78 for every dollar invested.

While a number of countries are taking action to reduce population sodium/salt intake, additional efforts are needed to reduce the health consequences, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the risk of death from raised blood pressure is more than double that in high-income countries. To further action and commitments towards achieving a 30% reduction in dietary sodium by 2025 and a reduction to 2000mg/day beyond 2025, WHO is developing guidance and technical tools to support the implementation of sodium reduction strategies.

9-12 grams per day

on average

most people consume too much salt. The global average almost doubles the recommended intake.

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over 3 million

annual deaths

are attributable to high sodium consumption

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Events

Publications

WHO global report on sodium intake reduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed this report to monitor progress and identify areas for action in the implementation of sodium reduction...

WHO global sodium benchmarks for different food categories

The World Health Organization (WHO) has established global benchmarks for sodium levels in foods across different food categories as part of WHO’s...

Action framework for developing and implementing public food procurement and service policies for a healthy diet

This action framework provides an overview of how to develop (or strengthen), implement, assess compliance with, and evaluate, the effectiveness of...

Tackling NCDs: 'best buys' and other recommended interventions for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases

This document provides policy-makers with a list of ‘best buys’ and other recommended interventions to address noncommunicable diseases (NCDs)...

SHAKE the salt habit

The SHAKE package contains a general framework for the overarching elements needed to create a successful salt reduction strategy: political commitment,...

Fiscal policies for diet and the prevention of noncommunicable diseases

The Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases 2013–2020 proposes that “as appropriate to national context,...

Guideline: fortification of food-grade salt with iodine for the prevention and control of iodine deficiency disorders

The proposed guideline1 aims to help Member States and their partners in their efforts to make informed decisions on the appropriate nutrition actions...

Salt reduction and iodine fortification strategies in public health

Report of a joint technical meeting convened by World Health Organization and The George Insitute for Global Health in collaboration with the International...

Guideline: sodium intake for adults and children

This guideline provides updated global, evidence-informed recommendations on the consumption of sodium to reduce NCDs in most adults and children. The...

Set of recommendations on the marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children

This report contains the set of recommendations on the marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children, as presented to the Sixty-third World...

Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health

The overall goal of the Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health is to promote and protect health by guiding the development of an enabling environment...

Nutrient profile models

Nutrient profile model for the marketing of food and non-alcoholic beverages to children in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region

Nutrient profiling entails the classification of foods according to nutritional composition for reasons related to health. It is a critical tool for the...

Nutrient Profile Model for the WHO African Region: a tool for implementing WHO recommendations on the marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children

This nutrient profile model was developed by the WHO Regional Office for Africa in collaboration with Member States and the Department of Nutrition for...

WHO nutrient profile model for South-East Asia Region

With the growing obesity crisis among children, WHO and other public health advocates and consumer groups have called for restrictions on advertising of...

WHO nutrient profile model for the Western Pacific Region : a tool to protect children from food marketing

This regional nutrient profile model was developed by the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific in collaboration with Member States to support the...

Pan American Health Organization Nutrient Profile Model publication cover

The PAHO NP Model presented here is based on robust scientific evidence and is the result of rigorous work by an Expert Consultation Group composed of...

WHO Regional Office for Europe nutrient profile model

This nutrient profile model has been developed by the WHO Regional Office for Europe in response to this mandate and has been specifically designed for...

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