WeeklySA_AdminDIETARY: A study across 193 countries projects major reductions in heart and kidney disease through potassium-enriched salt, with precautions needed for people at risk of high blood potassium…
By Own Correspondent
Replacing regular salt with a potassium-enriched alternative could prevent almost three million deaths and 10 million new cases of cardiovascular and kidney disease worldwide each year, according to research published in Nature Health.
Researchers from The George Institute for Global Health modelled the potential effects of switching salt supplies across 193 countries. Their estimates describe what could happen under different adoption scenarios, rather than outcomes already achieved.
Bruce Neal, senior professorial fellow at the institute, said excessive sodium and insufficient potassium contribute to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of strokes, heart attacks and kidney disease. Replacing some sodium with potassium could address both dietary problems.
Although a worldwide switch remained an ambitious goal, Neal said the findings offered governments a starting point for considering a potentially affordable public health intervention.
Replacing sodium with potassium
Potassium-enriched salt contains potassium chloride in place of some of the sodium chloride found in ordinary salt.
The researchers examined scenarios ranging from replacing salt in both households and commercially prepared foods to targeting household use among people with diagnosed or treated hypertension.
Their largest projected gains depended on a comprehensive switch across household, processed and restaurant foods. More limited adoption also offered substantial potential benefits.
Precautions for kidney patients
A key concern is hyperkalaemia — excessively high potassium levels in the blood — particularly among people with advanced kidney disease or those taking medicines that raise potassium levels.
Although the researchers estimated that benefits could outweigh risks even among people with advanced kidney disease, that finding does not establish that the products are suitable for every patient.
Nephrologist Vivek Jha, a senior professorial fellow at The George Institute in India, emphasised patient education, clear product labelling and clinical oversight.
The World Health Organization’s 2025 recommendation conditionally supports potassium-containing salt substitutes for adults who choose to use table salt. It excludes people with impaired kidney function or conditions that compromise potassium excretion, and does not apply to children or pregnant women. People with kidney disease or taking medicines that raise potassium should seek clinical advice before switching.
Food industry participation
Neal said national strategies would need to reflect whether sodium consumption came mainly from household cooking or commercially prepared foods.
Achieving the fullest benefits would require manufacturers and restaurants to participate, alongside sufficient production of potassium chloride to meet increased demand. – Science X
