Indians consuming double the safe salt limit: ICMR launches major initiative to cut intake

The Indian Council of Medical Research’s National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE) has launched a focused effort to lower the country’s high salt consumption levels, which significantly exceed the World Health Organisation’s recommended daily intake of 5 grams. According to recent data, urban populations in India consume an average of 9.2 grams of salt per day, while rural areas average around 5.6 grams, both far above the global benchmark.

Also Read:How to do a budget-friendly detox at home: A Simple guide for everyday Indians

Recognizing the serious health risks associated with excessive sodium intake, including high blood pressure, heart disease, strokes, and kidney disorders, ICMR-NIE has initiated a three-year community-based intervention project in Punjab and Telangana. The goal is to determine whether structured dietary counselling delivered by frontline health workers can help reduce salt intake and manage hypertension among patients.

In its first year, the program is currently focused on gathering baseline data. A key feature of the initiative is the collaboration between researchers and community health workers to develop relevant counselling material that resonates with local populations. The emphasis is on two-way communication rather than top-down instruction.

The institute also highlighted the potential of low-sodium salt alternatives in controlling blood pressure. Studies indicate that substituting part of regular salt with potassium or magnesium-based compounds can lower blood pressure by an average of 7/4 mmHg. However, availability and cost remain barriers, market surveys in Chennai revealed that such products are found in just 28% of stores and are more than twice as expensive as regular salt.

To raise public awareness, ICMR-NIE has also launched a digital campaign titled #PinchForAChange on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn, using infographics and concise messaging to promote mindful salt consumption.