New Institute of Medicine Report Finds National Action Imperative to Reduce Sodium Content of Foods

It’s not the use of table salt that’s harming American’s health (table salt accounts for about 5% of salt intake). Instead, it’s the salt loaded into packaged foods and restaurant meals. People can protect their own health by choosing foods low in sodium and can contribute to this important national effort by asking stores and restaurants to offer low sodium products.

In the new Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, Strategies to Reduce Sodium Intake in the United States, the IOM concluded that national action is imperative to reduce the sodium content of foods if we are to make a notable impact on reducing the risk of hypertension and major cardiovascular events. This includes a coordinated movement among government, industry, community groups, and consumers to reduce this serious public health problem that is costing our nation thousands of lives and billions in health care costs each year.

Visit the Institute of Medicine website for more detailed information about the IOM Report on Sodium Reduction.