Most Americans consume more than double the amount of their daily recommended level of sodium. A new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that more than two out of three adults are in population groups that should consume no more than 1,500 milligrams (mg) per day of sodium. During 2005-2006 the estimated average intake of sodium for persons in the United States age 2 years and older was 3,436 mg per day.
A diet high in sodium increases the risk of having higher blood pressure, a major cause for heart disease and stroke. These diseases are the first and third leading causes of death in the United States.
"It's important for people to eat less salt. People who adopt a heart healthy eating pattern that includes a diet low in sodium and rich in potassium and calcium can improve their blood pressure," said Darwin R. Labarthe, MD, PhD, director of the CDC's Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention.
Most of the sodium we eat comes from packaged, processed, and restaurant foods. CDC along with other Health and Human Services agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, will be working with major food manufacturers and chain restaurants to reduce sodium levels in the food supply.
The study in CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, and is the first study to use national data to show that 69.2 percent of the adult population belongs to a specific group that should aim to consume no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day. This group includes persons with high blood pressure, blacks, or middle-aged and older adults (more than 40 years old).
Choosing foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, when dining out, asking that foods be prepared without added salt, and reading the nutrition label of foods before purchasing can improve health for all adults.
Resource:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [news release]. March 26, 2009.
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