ICMR Flags Excess Salt Consumption In India

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and its National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE), Excessive salt intake is emerging as a major health risk in India, contributing to rising rates of hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and kidney disorders.

Salt Consumption in India

WHO recommended intake: Less than 5 grams per person per day.
Urban India: Average intake is 9.2 g/day.
Rural India: Average intake is 5.6 g/day.
Both exceed the WHO guidelines.

Global Sodium Burden

Each year, 1.9 million deaths are attributable to high sodium intake.
WHO recommends sodium intake be below 2 g/day to reduce risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
Global average sodium intake (2019): 4.3 g/day, over double the recommended level.

Government Initiatives

FSSAI’s ‘Eat Right India’ movement promotes safe and healthy food.
Social media campaign: ‘Aaj Se Thoda Kam’ encourages less salt intake.
Despite efforts, daily sodium intake remains high at ~11 grams.

About the Study

The initiative focuses on lowering sodium intake using low-sodium salt substitutes.
It is being conducted by NIE with support from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
The project is currently being implemented in Punjab and Telangana.
Duration: 3 years
Aims to assess the impact of structured salt reduction counselling delivered through Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs).

Need for Limiting Salt Intake

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death in India, accounting for 28.1% of total deaths.
High salt intake increases hypertension, contributing to over 1.6 million deaths in 2016 (up from 0.78 million in 1990).
32.1% of certified deaths in 2020 were due to circulatory system diseases, with hypertension as a key contributor.
The economic burden is significant—over $2 trillion in projected losses (2012–2030) due to CVDs (World Economic Forum).

About Lower-Sodium Salt Substitutes (LSSS)

LSSS are alternatives to regular salt, containing less sodium.
They typically use potassium chloride (KCl), with or without other agents, to replicate the taste of regular salt.
Health advantage: Combines reduced sodium intake with potential benefits of potassium.
National and public health bodies are increasingly considering LSSS as a strategy to reduce sodium intake and lower blood pressure/CVD risk.

Role of Low-Sodium Salt Substitutes

These blends replace part of sodium chloride with potassium or magnesium salts.
Shown to reduce blood pressure by 7/4 mmHg on average.
Considered a practical alternative, especially for individuals with hypertension.

Why is Salt Consumption Important?

Salt, primarily composed of sodium chloride, is an essential nutrient for the body.

Function: Helps regulate fluid balance, supports nerve impulse transmission, and enables muscle contraction.
Health Balance: Adequate intake is necessary for normal body function, but excessive consumption can lead to health issues like hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
Ensuring moderate and regulated intake is important for overall health and prevention of lifestyle-related disorders.

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

ICMR is the apex body for biomedical research in India, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
It is responsible for the formulation, coordination, and promotion of medical and public health research.
ICMR-National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE), established in 1999, is a key institute focused on epidemiological studies and public health research.

Also Read
UPSC Daily Editorials	UPSC Daily Current Affairs
Daily Current Affairs Quiz	Daily Main Answer Writing
Check Out Previous Years Papers From PW Store	UPSC Test Series
Check Out UPSC NCERT Textbooks From PW Store	Check Out UPSC Modules From PW Store