Excess Sodium Consumption Affects Global Health Adversely

A new study has found that excessive intake of sodium has a harmful effect on global health, claiming around 1.65 million lives every year.

The latest study focuses on the amount of sodium people should consume and the impact of excess sodium on health.

"We have new research indicating that the blood pressure effects of excess sodium can be directly related to cardiovascular disease risk," said Antman, who is also a professor of medicine and Associate Dean for Clinical/Translational Research at Harvard Medical School. According to the researcher, this is a staggering finding.

It is estimated that 1 in every 10 cardiovascular deaths are linked to intake of more than 2,000 milligrams of sodium per day. On an average, nearly 99.2 percent of adults around the world cross this level. "In the United States, nearly 57,600 annual cardiovascular deaths are linked to sodium intake at this level," Antman said. The American Heart Association recommends consumption of less than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day for ideal heart health, but it is seen that most Americans consume more than twice that much.

A study recently released called PURE investigated the link between excessive sodium intake and health risks. According to Antman, this study had several substantial methodological issues that limit its usefulness for providing conclusion on the health association between sodium intake and health outcomes.

Antman said, "Interpreting the results of these types of studies was particularly challenging because results can be highly dependent on the types of data collected (and not collected) and the types of analyses performed."

"Excess dietary sodium intake exacts a tremendous toll on our societies and economies around the world," Antman said. "Now is a time for action, not hesitation."

The finding is published in New England Journal of Medicine.