The average American consumes between 6,000 and 18,000 milligrams of salt daily. The body only needs about 200 milligrams. The American Heart Association’s recommendation is a daily consumption of less than 2,300 milligrams, or one teaspoon.
People should follow such recommendations because later in life they will be less likely to develop hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, which leads to heart disease and stroke.
Scott Openshaw, director of communications for the Groceries Manufacturers Association, said the food industry is working collaboratively with many stakeholders including the government to help consumers achieve dietary guideline recommendations including that for sodium.
He said many no-salt-added, lightly salted, low sodium and sodium-free products have been introduced into the market.
“Food companies have been very successful at making incremental reductions in salt levels in popular products gradually over time, silently, while continuing to meet consumer taste preferences,” Openshaw said.
