5 - Dietary salt and the consumer: reported consumption and awareness of associated health risks

Abstract

High intakes of dietary salt have long been associated with high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. It is important to determine the patterns of salt intake, both discretionary intake and consumption of high salt foods being consumed frequently by the various consumer groups. Acquiring this data will enable health educators to target advice at the relevant consumer groups. It can also be used to lobby government and food manufacturers in relation to understanding how to reduce the salt content of processed foods frequently consumed by particular groups of consumers. As a part of a review and investigation of current trends in salt consumption and related consumer attitudes, it is important to consider the factors that have led to high salt intakes. This chapter discusses these factors. Changing consumer lifestyle patterns has had a significant impact on dietary intake in recent years and especially in relation to salt consumption. Lifestyle changes are among a comprehensive range of factors, which influence food choice. The chapter highlights the key factors that influence food choice in relation to increasing salt consumption. Raising consumer awareness of associated health risks is one way of endeavoring to reduce dietary salt intake; however, this alone will not guarantee a reduction in salt consumption at population level. It is, therefore, essential that food industry takes responsibility for reducing the salt content of processed food products, especially convenience style products.