High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is responsible for 20 million deaths worldwide each year. Excessive sodium consumption has been linked to worsening high blood pressure, making it crucial for individuals to monitor their salt intake.
In response to this growing concern, South Africa took a proactive step by implementing regulations on sodium content in food products. This initiative aimed to encourage people to reduce their salt consumption and consume less sodium-rich foods. It is important to note that salt and sodium are not the same; sodium is the component of salt that can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
A recent study conducted by researchers at Wits University and Harvard, published in JAMA Cardiology in February 2025, examined the impact of South Africa’s sodium reduction legislation. The study found that participants were able to reduce their sodium intake by 10% over a span of seven years, leading to significant improvements in blood pressure levels.
The World Health Organization recommends consuming less than 2 grams of salt per day, and the participants in this study were able to achieve this target through the implementation of the sodium regulations. The reductions in sodium intake were associated with lower blood pressure levels, highlighting the positive impact of such legislation on public health.
The study also revealed that South Africa’s sodium legislation is the most extensive of its kind, covering 13 categories of food, including bread, cereals, processed meats, and sauces. Manufacturers were required to gradually reduce the sodium content in these products, resulting in significant decreases in salt intake among the population.
Associate Professor Thomas Gaziano of the Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health emphasized the potential benefits of sustained sodium reduction, including lower rates of cardiovascular disease mortality, stroke, heart failure, and other related health conditions. Even small reductions in blood pressure levels can lead to a significant decrease in the number of deaths attributed to cardiovascular diseases.
Furthermore, the study highlighted the importance of government intervention in implementing strict sodium regulations, as voluntary approaches have been less effective in reducing salt consumption. By holding manufacturers accountable for reducing sodium content in their products, governments can effectively improve public health outcomes and reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases.
In conclusion, the success of South Africa’s sodium reduction legislation serves as a promising example for other countries to follow. By prioritizing public health and implementing comprehensive regulations on sodium content, governments can make a significant impact on reducing high blood pressure levels and improving overall cardiovascular health.
