American Heart Association Calls for Intensified Efforts to Reduce Sodium

The American Heart Association (AHA) is urging the food industry, health professionals, government, and the public to “intensify efforts to reduce the amount of sodium (salt) Americans consume.” Published as a presidential advisory in an upcoming issue of its journal Circulation, AHA says its science-based recommendations advocate no more than 1,500 mg of sodium daily for the general public. The group claims that current sodium intake is more than two times higher, with 77 percent coming from packaged, processed and restaurant foods.

“Even a modest decline in intake—say 400 mg per day—would produce
benefits that are substantial and warrant implementation,” according to the
advisory, which warns that increased sodium consumption can lead to high
blood pressure and heart, kidney and blood vessel problems. With its 2020
impact goal aimed at reducing deaths from cardiovascular disease and stroke
by 20 percent, the advisory stressed that “the potential health benefits of
sodium reduction are enormous and extend to all Americans.” See AHA Press
Release, January 13, 2011.