Brits 'unaware' of dangers of salt

02 February 2010

Many people still do not understand why they should limit the amount of salt in their diet, new research has found.

A study by Consensus Action on Salt and Health (Cash) found that nine in ten people are aware that too much salt is bad for them, yet many do not understand why.

While 61 per cent knew of the link between high salt intake and heart disease, just 34 per cent realised there was a link with stroke.

Associations between salt and other conditions had even lower levels of awareness, including kidney disease (27 per cent), obesity (13 per cent), stomach cancer (six per cent) and osteoporosis (four per cent).

The survey was carried out by research firm TNS to mark National Salt Awareness Week, which runs from February 1st to 7th.

Cash campaign manager Katherine Jenner commented: "It is not surprising people are reluctant to reduce salt in their diets when they think eating too much salt will not affect them.

"However, the problems of eating the current high amount of salt could affect anyone."

Ms Jenner claimed that the majority of the salt we eat is hidden in common foods, making it harder for consumers to keep an eye on their intake.

However, she pointed out that people can reduce their salt consumption by checking product labels, selecting lower-salt varieties and not adding extra salt to food.

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