Salt Controversy Stirred by “PURE” but Settled by “NUTRICODE”

Abstract

Hypertension is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and death. On a worldwide scale, it is estimated that over 1 billion adult individuals are afflicted by hypertension, and hypertension is responsible for over 9 million deaths annually. Among dietary strategies to counter this epidemic, principal role has been assigned to reducing dietary sodium which has been included in many guidelines for the treatment of hypertension and prevention of cardiovascular disease. However, recent studies have raised questions about potential harmful effects associated with low sodium intake. Ensuing the tumult stirred by these studies reporting on the role of salt intake restriction on blood pressure and cardiovascular mortality, we are herein providing a brief overview of the topic. Despite the “controversy’, the data appear compelling toward the need for reducing salt intake as one of the most cost-effective measures to control blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular disease worldwide at the population level.