A Comprehensive Overview on Necessity and Strategies of Salt Intake Reduction in the Population

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become a major public health problem not only in developed countries, but also in developing countries; as cardiovascular disease is considered to be the leading cause of death in the world. Unhealthy diet, insufficient physical activity and smoking are the main determinants of NCDs in the world. According to the reports, daily intake of salt in Iran is above the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), while taking too much salt affects the human health negatively and WHO regards reducing population salt intake as one of the most cost-effective measures to improve public health. Despite the fact that reducing salt intake in the population is difficult, but with specific actions and strategies, reducing most of the population's salt intake is possible. These actions and strategies include: 1) sodium-restricted diet and monitoring sodium content of foods, 2) awareness campaigns (media and communications strategy), 3) labeling and development of symbols identifying low-salt products, 4) United Kingdom strategy-gradual reduction of sodium, 5) food industry strategy (re-formulation), and 6) taxation on and rising prices of unhealthy food. Successful countries in reducing salt intake have followed these practices.