World Salt Awareness Week highlights the growing risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease linked to excessive sodium consumption. South Africa remains one of the countries with the highest salt consumption globally.

The week is observed from Monday (11/5) to Sunday as the foundation joins the global World Action on salt, sugar and health movement to #SaltItOut, highlighting healthier alternatives to excessive salt.

The campaign, themed: Make the Salt Shift: Swap Salt for Potassium Salt Substitutes, aims to raise awareness about the dangers of excessive salt intake and promote healthier alternatives to help reduce the country’s growing burden of hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

While the World Health Organisation recommends consuming less than 5g of salt per day, South Africans consume an average of eight grams daily, with some people taking in as much as 12g.

“More than one in three South Africans are living with hypertension, yet many people still believe their salt intake falls within a healthy range,” said HSFSA health promotion and health risk assessment programme team lead Juandre Watson.

“Around 55% of the salt we consume comes from processed and packaged foods such as breads, processed meats, soups, sauces, and snacks, making hidden salt a major health concern.

Excessive salt intake raises blood pressure over time and increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases, often without any obvious warning signs, she said.

Potassium salt substitutes are gaining attention as a healthier alternative to traditional table salt in the fight against hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

These substitutes replace some or all of the sodium chloride found in ordinary salt with potassium chloride, helping to lower overall sodium intake while maintaining a similar salty taste.

Health experts say this simple dietary change could play an important role in reducing blood pressure and improving heart health outcomes among South Africans.

“Although potassium salt substitutes are more expensive than ordinary table salt, the long-term health benefits could help reduce future medical costs linked to hypertension and cardiovascular disease,” said Watson.

“For many people, switching to potassium-based salt substitutes can be a simple but effective way to support healthier blood pressure levels, provided they first consult a healthcare professional if they have kidney or heart conditions.”

 OFM News/Zenande Mpame sm

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