Visakhapatnam: A recent study by The George Institute for Global Health revealed that adhering to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) sodium guidelines could prevent approximately 3 lakh deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney diseases (CKD) in India in the first 10 years.
The research indicates that around 1.7 million new cases of CVD and 7 lakh new cases of CKD could also be avoided compared to current practices. Reducing sodium levels in packaged foods could save nearly $800 million and prevent 2.4 million cases of heart disease, strokes, and kidney disease, potentially totalling $2.5 billion in savings over a lifetime.
The WHO has established global guidelines for sodium in packaged foods. The George Institute for Global Health study, published in The Lancet Public Health, explores the health benefits and cost-effectiveness of following these guidelines in India. High sodium intake is a leading cause of death and illness worldwide.
Researchers argue that these findings provide a strong rationale for policymakers to impose sodium limits on packaged foods, which could help reduce healthcare costs associated with chronic diseases. The WHO earlier released global sodium benchmarks for 58 food groups that contribute significantly to sodium intake.
An earlier study by researchers from AIIMS, New Delhi, and ICMR-National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research found that people in Andhra Pradesh consume an average of 8.7 gram of salt daily, significantly higher than the WHO’s recommended limit of 5 grams.
Concerns are growing as the consumption of packaged foods high in sodium rises rapidly in India. Compared to many high-income countries, India has a unique opportunity to improve dietary quality by lowering sodium levels in packaged foods before they become a primary food source. Once consumers become accustomed to high-sodium products, it may be more challenging to reduce sodium levels.
Sudhir Raj Thout, a research fellow at The George Institute for Global Health India, explained the importance of these findings amid growing health risks from high sodium intake. “While India currently has the Eat Right India strategy, there are opportunities to enhance its impact. As reliance on packaged foods increases, prompt action is necessary. Adopting WHO’s sodium guidelines would not only improve public health but also offer a cost-effective strategy for health enhancement,” said Sudhir Raj.
The researchers utilised a detailed model to estimate the health benefits for adults if sodium levels in packaged foods adhered to WHO recommendations. They analysed data from various sources, including dietary surveys, food ingredient information, sales data, and sodium content on packaging. By connecting sodium intake to health outcomes, the study underscores how reducing salt can decrease the risk of heart and kidney diseases.
The study’s findings remained consistent even when various assumptions and underlying data were adjusted, including differing estimates of future sodium intake from packaged foods. Even if packaged food consumption does not increase, following WHO’s sodium guidelines is expected to save money and lives.
This study strongly advocates for India to implement and enforce sodium limits in packaged foods. Such measures could prevent millions of health issues and save substantial funds, making sodium reduction a priority for policymakers. As more people consume packaged foods, it is crucial to take steps to protect public health. Funded by the WHO country office in India, this research reflects the organisation’s commitment to promoting healthier eating and reducing diet-related diseases globally.
