Salt Substitute Use Remains Low Despite Blood Pressure Benefits, Study Finds
Despite being a simple and possibly effective strategy for managing hypertension, salt substitutes are rarely used by Americans, new research reveals. Presented Thursday at an American Heart Association meeting in Baltimore, the study indicates that less than 6% of U.S. adults incorporate these alternatives into their diets.
Yinying Wei,a doctoral candidate in applied clinical research and hypertension at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas,explained that salt substitutes replace some or all of the sodium with potassium,offering a similar taste while potentially lowering blood pressure. A diet high in sodium causes the body to retain fluid, increasing blood pressure by expanding blood volume, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey spanning 2003 to 2020,utilizing food questionnaires to assess salt substitute consumption. The analysis showed consistently low usage rates throughout the study period, peaking at just over 5% during the 2013-2014 survey.
Even among individuals who could benefit most, usage remained minimal. Slightly more than 5% of those with high blood pressure reported using salt substitutes. The highest reported usage was among those with high blood pressure who were already taking medication for it – nearly 11% – and those with drug-resistant hypertension,at over 7%. However, less than 6% of individuals with untreated high blood pressure used these substitutes.
“Salt substitute use remained uncommon over the last two decades including among people with high blood pressure,” Wei stated. “Even among individuals with treated and poorly managed or untreated high blood pressure, most continued to use regular salt.”
Dr. Amit khera, clinical chief of cardiology and director of preventive cardiology at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, emphasized the missed opportunity. “These results highlight an important and easy missed opportunity to improve blood pressure in the U.S. — the use of salt substitutes,” he said, adding that the lack of improvement over two decades underscores the need for both patients and healthcare professionals to discuss these alternatives, particularly during blood pressure management appointments.
The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium intake to no more than 2,300 milligrams daily, ideally aiming for less than 1,500 mg for most adults.Researchers note that reducing sodium intake by just 1,000 mg per day can substantially improve blood pressure and overall heart health.
ItS important to note that findings presented at medical meetings are considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.
