High Salt Intake in India: Health and Economic Impacts

Abstract

India has one of the highest salt intakes in the world, with average consumption around 11 grams per day according to systematic reviews. This exceeds the WHO recommended limit of less than 6 grams per day for adults and has major implications for population health. High salt intake is a major risk factor for elevated blood pressure, which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases including heart attacks and strokes. These conditions account for over a quarter of deaths in India and are major contributors to healthcare costs and productivity losses. The economic impacts are substantial, with research projections suggesting India could lose $2 trillion from 2012-2030 due to hypertension and associated diseases attributable to high salt intake. Regional data shows some variations in intake, but overall levels remain dangerously high across the country. Strategies are urgently needed to reduce population-level sodium consumption. These include product reformulation, consumer education, frontof-pack labelling, taxation of high-salt foods, and collaborative engagement with the food industry. Some progress has been made through initiatives like the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's work to establish maximum sodium levels for various food categories. However, bolder policy action and multisectoral partnerships are essential to make meaningful change. Any reduction in mean population salt intake could have tremendous benefits. A 3 gram decline could potentially avert 5.8 million strokes and heart attacks over 10 years, while a 5 gram reduction could avert 13.8 million. Alongside lowering cardiovascular risk, this would generate substantial healthcare savings and productivity gains. The economic case for accelerated action is compelling, given the immense costs of inaction outlined by the WHO. Population-based approaches including product reformulation and consumer education campaigns have achieved major sodium reduction in other countries, demonstrating this is an achievable goal for India as well. Urgent steps must be taken to make low sodium diets the default for Indians to gain health benefits and mitigate the projected $2 trillion economic burden.