Salt Reduction as Population-Based Preventive Measure

Part 1 – Need for Action in Germany

Leonie Knorpp, Anja Kroke

There is urgent need for action in Germany, as hypertension is highly prevalent in the adult population, as is suboptimal blood pressure in both children and adolescents.

One possible approach to prevent hypertension would be to reduce the salt content of processed foods, as the population is exposed to high levels of salt. Adults, adolescents and children currently consume much more salt than the levels given as appropriate in the reference values of the German Nutritional Society. It can even be assumed that salt consumption has tended to be underestimated. Population-based reduction in salt consumption could make an important contribution to the prevention and therapy of arterial hypertension and protect children - who are at particular risk. This could be achieved by implementing the international recommended maximal levels of 6 g salt/day.

Keywords: arterial hypertension, blood pressure, sodium chloride, prevention, recording methods

Sie finden den Artikel in deutscher Sprache in Ernährungs Umschau 06/10 ab Seite 294.