Reducing sodium in packaged foods could save 3 lakh lives in India: Lancet study

A Lancet study reveals that reducing sodium in India's packaged foods could save over 3,00,000 lives and prevent 1.7 million cardiovascular diseases.

In Short

• Adopting the WHO's sodium guidelines could prevent up to 3 lakh deaths in India
• Lowering sodium in packaged foods is estimated to save Rs 67 billion
• It could lead to 2.4 million fewer cases of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease

If food packages in India reduce sodium content, this move could save over 3,00,000 lives and prevent around 1.7 million new cardiovascular diseases, according to a Lancet study.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) set new global guidelines for sodium levels in packaged foods, so promote health benefits for populations worldwide. A recent study by The George Institute for Global Health, published in The Lancet Public Health, focused specifically on India and highlighted the urgent need to reduce sodium consumption, given its role as a leading cause of death and illness globally.

As per the WHO, a salt intake of less than 5 grams (approximately 2g sodium) per person per day is recommended for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death globally.

In India, the rising popularity of packaged foods, often high in sodium, poses a significant public health challenge.

The study stated that India has a unique opportunity to enhance dietary quality by lowering sodium content in packaged foods before they become the mainstay of diets. Once consumers develop a taste for salty foods, reducing sodium levels may become more difficult, the researchers said.

The study's findings are compelling. It estimates that adhering to the WHO's sodium guidelines could prevent approximately 3,00,000 deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the first decade alone.

Around 1.7 million new CVD cases and 700,000 new CKD cases could be avoided compared to current practices. These reductions could lead to savings of nearly $800 million (Rs 67.3 billion) in healthcare costs associated with chronic diseases, totalling $2.5 billion (Rs 210.2 billion) over a person’s lifetime.

The researchers employed a comprehensive model to project the health benefits for adults if sodium levels in packaged foods conformed to WHO recommendations.

The analysis drew on diverse data sources, including dietary surveys, food ingredient information, sales data, and sodium content on food packaging.

By connecting sodium intake to health outcomes, the study demonstrated how lower salt consumption can reduce the risk of heart and kidney diseases.

Notably, the study’s results remained robust, even under various assumptions about future sodium intake from packaged foods.

The findings suggested that even with stagnant consumption levels, following the WHO’s sodium guidelines would still lead to financial and health benefits.

Sudhir Raj Thout, a Research Fellow at The George Institute for Global Health India, highlighted the importance of these findings amidst rising health risks from high sodium intake.

"While India currently has the Eat Right India strategy, there are opportunities to enhance its impact. As more people rely on packaged foods, quick action is needed. Following the WHO’s sodium guidelines would not only improve health but also provide a cost-effective approach to enhancing public health,” Thout stated.

This research, funded by the WHO Country Office in India, strongly advocates for the adoption and enforcement of sodium limits in packaged foods.

As consumption of packaged foods continues to grow, it is crucial to take proactive measures to safeguard public health and promote healthier eating habits.