The World Health Organization (WHO) has established global guidelines for sodium in packaged foods. A recent study* by The George Institute for Global Health, published in The Lancet Public Health, examines the health benefits and cost-effectiveness of following these guidelines in India. This study is significant because high sodium intake is a leading cause of death and illness worldwide.
It is also concerning that the consumption of packaged foods with high sodium content is increasing rapidly. India has a unique opportunity, compared to many high-income countries, to improve the dietary quality such as lowering the sodium content of its packaged foods before they become a primary food source. Once people are used to consuming a lot of salty packaged foods, it may be more challenging to reduce the sodium content in those products.
The study's findings showed that following the WHO's sodium guidelines could prevent around 3,00,000 deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) already in the first 10 years. Additionally, about 1.7 million new CVD cases and 7,00,000 new CKD cases could be prevented compared to current practices. Reducing sodium in packaged foods could save nearly $800 million and 2.4 million cases of heart disease, strokes, and kidney disease. Over a lifetime, it could save $2.5 billion. These results give policymakers a strong reason to set limits on sodium in packaged foods, as it can lower healthcare costs related to chronic diseases.
The researchers used a detailed model to estimate the health benefits for adults if the sodium levels in packaged foods matched WHO’s recommended limits. They analyzed various data from multiple sources, such as surveys on what people eat, information on food ingredients, sales data, and the amount of sodium mentioned on packaged foods. By linking sodium intake to health outcomes, the study highlights how reducing salt can lower the risk of heart and kidney diseases.
The study’s results stayed consistent, even when the assumptions and underlying data were changed, including different estimates of future sodium intake from packaged foods. Even if people do not eat more packaged foods in the future, following the WHO’s sodium guidelines would still likely save money and lives.
Speaking about the study, Sudhir Raj Thout, Research Fellow at The George Institute for Global Health India, said, “These findings are crucial, especially given the growing health risks from high sodium intake. While India currently has the Eat Right India strategy, there are opportunities to enhance its impact. As more people rely on packaged foods, quick action is needed. Following the WHO’s sodium guidelines would not only improve health but also provide a cost-effective approach to enhancing public health.”
This study by The George Institute strongly suggests that India should adopt and enforce sodium limits in packaged foods. By doing so, the country could prevent millions of health problems and save a lot of money, making sodium reduction a priority for policymakers. With more people eating packaged foods, it’s important to take action to protect public health. This research, funded by the WHO Country Office in India, shows the organization’s dedication to encouraging healthier eating and reducing diet-related diseases worldwide.