Potassium-enriched salt could save millions from heart disease
A potassium-enriched salt substitute could prevent nearly three million deaths from heart disease and stroke each year, according to new research. The study, led by The George Institute for Global Health in Australia, highlights a low-cost solution to tackle high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
The research assessed the health benefits of switching to potassium-enriched salt in 193 countries. It estimated that a global transition could prevent 2.96 million deaths and 10.17 million new cases of cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease annually.
How it works
The alternative salt replaces some of the sodium chloride in conventional salt with potassium chloride. It looks, tastes, and cooks like ordinary table salt but addresses two key dietary factors linked to high blood pressure: excessive sodium consumption and insufficient potassium intake.
“Switching to potassium-enriched salt addresses both these dietary issues at the same time, with substantial health benefits,” said Bruce Neal, a senior professorial fellow at The George Institute.
Global impact
High blood pressure affects around 1.4 billion people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death, claiming 19.2 million lives in 2023.
The study examined various scenarios, including replacing salt in household cooking, processed foods, and restaurant meals. Even a partial switch could yield significant benefits. For example, replacing household salt alone could prevent an estimated 1.85 million deaths and 6.19 million cases of disease each year.
In Europe and North America, over 70% of dietary salt comes from processed foods and restaurant meals, not home cooking. To realise the maximum benefits from switching to potassium-enriched salt, we need to see the food industry in Europe and North America …
The potential benefits are particularly significant in countries with large populations and high cardiovascular disease rates. A complete transition could prevent an estimated 1.08 million deaths annually in China and nearly 400,000 in India.
In the United Kingdom, replacing all conventional salt could prevent nearly 13,000 deaths and around 60,000 cases of cardiovascular and kidney disease yearly.
Challenges and risks
While the benefits are substantial, wider adoption comes with potential risks. People with advanced kidney disease or those on certain medications may face hyperkalaemia — excessive potassium in the blood.
The World Health Organization has endorsed potassium-enriched salt to reduce blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk. However, a global shift would require increased potassium chloride production to meet demand.
