Potassium-enriched salt could prevent nearly 4 lakh deaths in India annually, says study
A global study published in Nature Health suggests that replacing regular table salt with potassium-enriched alternatives could prevent nearly 400,000 deaths in India annually. Researchers emphasize that this dietary shift is a cost-effective way to combat cardiovascular and kidney diseases, though they caution that individuals with advanced kidney issues should exercise care.
Why it matters
This study offers a scalable, low-cost public health intervention that could significantly reduce the burden of chronic diseases in highly populated nations like India and China.
Synopsis: A global study estimates that replacing regular table salt with potassium-enriched alternatives could prevent nearly four lakh deaths and 15.2 lakh new cases of cardiovascular and kidney diseases annually in India. Researchers say the switch could lower blood pressure by reducing sodium and increasing potassium intake, but warn that patients with advanced kidney disease need precautions.
India could prevent nearly 4 lakh deaths and 15.2 lakh new cases of cardiovascular and kidney diseases every year by replacing regular table salt with potassium-enriched salt, according to a new global study published in Nature Health.
The study estimated that such a nationwide shift could avert nearly 19.3 lakh fatal and non-fatal health events annually in the country.
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