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Availability, Formulation, Labeling, and Price of Low-sodium Salt Worldwide: Environmental Scan

Authors :
Xuejun Yin
Hueiming Liu
Jacqui Webster
Kathy Trieu
Mark D Huffman
J Jaime Miranda
Matti Marklund
Jason H Y Wu
Laura K Cobb
Ka Chun Li
Sallie-Anne Pearson
Bruce Neal
Maoyi Tian
Source :
JMIR Public Health and Surveillance, Vol 7, Iss 7, p e27423 (2021)
Publication Year :
2021
Publisher :
JMIR Publications, 2021.

Abstract

BackgroundRegular salt is about 100% sodium chloride. Low-sodium salts have reduced sodium chloride content, most commonly through substitution with potassium chloride. Low-sodium salts have a potential role in reducing the population's sodium intake levels and blood pressure, but their availability in the global market is unknown. ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to assess the availability, formulation, labeling, and price of low-sodium salts currently available to consumers worldwide. MethodsLow-sodium salts were identified through a systematic literature review, Google search, online shopping site searches, and inquiry of key informants. The keywords “salt substitute,” “low-sodium salt,” “potassium salt,” “mineral salt,” and “sodium reduced salt” in six official languages of the United Nations were used for the search. Information about the brand, formula, labeling, and price was extracted and analyzed. ResultsA total of 87 low-sodium salts were available in 47 out of 195 (24%) countries worldwide, including 28 high-income countries, 13 upper-middle-income countries, and 6 lower-middle-income countries. The proportion of sodium chloride varied from 0% (sodium-free) to 88% (as percent of weight; regular salt is 100% sodium chloride). Potassium chloride was the most frequent component with levels ranging from 0% to 100% (potassium chloride salt). A total of 43 (49%) low-sodium salts had labels with the potential health risks, and 33 (38%) had labels with the potential health benefits. The median price of low-sodium salts in high-income, upper-middle-income, and lower-middle-income countries was US $15.00/kg (IQR 6.4-22.5), US $2.70/kg (IQR 1.7-5.5), and US $2.90/kg (IQR 0.50-22.2), respectively. The price of low-sodium salts was between 1.1 and 14.6 times that of regular salts. ConclusionsLow-sodium salts are not widely available and are commonly more expensive than regular salts. Policies that promote the availability, affordability, and labeling of low-sodium salts should increase uptake, helping populations reduce blood pressure and prevent cardiovascular diseases. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)RR2-10.1111/jch.14054

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
23692960
Volume :
7
Issue :
7
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
JMIR Public Health and Surveillance
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.450c1983e45b4fd58b638fe151cd08f4
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.2196/27423