In the 1960s, much of the world’s population was deficient in the trace nutrient iodine, which had serious implications for public health. By 2020, 21 countries were iodine deficient, down from 113 in 1990, and 90% of people were getting enough iodine.
solution? Adding iodine to table salt. Iodination of the salt supply has strong support from the salt industry and government, and is arguably one of the most effective public health interventions of all time.
The world faces a similar public health crisis in 2024. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a leading cause of illness and death. The main cause is excessive consumption of sodium, which increases blood pressure. But as we reported in “How to Easily Satisfy Your Salt Cravings Without Harming Your Health,” new research suggests that a similarly simple solution may be just around the corner: potassium-rich salt.
This could be a game-changer, as efforts to reduce sodium intake have failed for many reasons, especially because people love salty foods. The government and industry must also take responsibility. Processed food manufacturers have been slow to enact salt reduction goals, and the salt industry has tried to question the efficacy and safety of salt reduction, in part by promoting the idea that consuming too little is just as harmful as consuming too much. .
In any case, the latest scientific insights have led to new solutions. Switching to potassium-rich salt will be a win-win, reducing sodium and increasing potassium consumption. Newer research suggests that this may have a greater impact on blood pressure than simply reducing sodium intake. Only 14% of people consume enough potassium. Almost everyone consumes too much sodium.
If industry does not voluntarily act on these insights, governments will have to force the issue. The consequences of high blood pressure impose enormous costs on the healthcare system. Like iodine, adding potassium to salt provides a surprisingly tasty way to save lives and money.
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