PP.02.33

Abstract

Objective: As a results of the MINISAL study, that indicated an excess salt intake in Italy, we planned a “The Lower Salt Community Project”, a trial of feasibility, acceptability and safety of a strategy of moderate and gradual reduction of salt intake (15% over 18 months) in an Italian community in the area of Cilento. Design and method: The baseline salt intake was evaluated by 24-hour urinary sodium excretion in randomized samples of the Cilento community and of a control community in a separate area. The control community undertakes the same anthropometrical, nutritional, biochemical and blood pressure (BP) measurements at baseline and at end of the study as the target community, but is the object of simple observation with no kind of active intervention during the follow-up period. Main outcome measure will be the differential change in dietary salt intake at the end of the study between the two communities. Secondary endpoints will be the changes in BP, nutritional, anthropometric, metabolic and hormonal variables, potential target of dietary salt reduction. The active intervention is currently being implemented through the collaboration with local authorities, GPs and health organizations, opinion makers and local schools. Interaction with restaurants, pizzerias, local food producers and catering organizations are being carried out. A crucial role is played by the interaction with media (private TV networks, radios and local newspapers) and by the activation of an INTERNET website and social network profiles. Results: At baseline, the two randomized samples (aged between 35–75 years) were similar for sex, age, BMI, SBP/DBP and urinary volume. The average salt intake was 9.0 g/day and over 90% of the population had a consumption higher than the recommended standard dietary intake of 5 g/day. Conclusions: The results of this feasibility trial will provide information on the possibility to implement similar salt reduction strategies at the regional and national levels.