A recent computer modeling analysis suggests that reducing salt intake by 4% each year could potentially save half a million lives over the next decade. Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, shared their findings in the journal Hypertension. They noted that more substantial public health improvements could arise from instant reductions in salt consumption. However, significantly lowering sodium intake from the current US average of 3,600 milligrams per day to the recommended level of 2,200 milligrams—or even the 1,500-milligram limit for individuals at high risk or older adults—is not seen as practical. Even a gradual decrease of 40% to reach an average of 2,200 milligrams over ten years presents considerable challenges, which will likely demand a variety of interventions. Nonetheless, researchers believe that a significant reduction is achievable by halving the sodium content in processed and commercially prepared foods. They cited successful sodium-reduction initiatives in the UK, which have achieved annual reductions of 3% to 4%, and Finland, which has seen a 20% to 30% decline in sodium consumption over two decades.
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