Institute of Medicine Urges Measure that Could Save Billions in U.S. Health Spending

04-20-2010

A new study produced by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and sponsored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), indicates that education campaigns to reduce sodium intake have not made significant differences in the amount of salt Americans consume each year. Since much of the sodium we eat comes from processed food and restaurants, the IOM has recommended that the FDA regulate the sodium content in these foods.  The FDA is reviewing the IOM report to determine whether a regulation plan is needed.

Though humans need some salt (approximately 1,500mg/day), the average American consumes more than twice this amount.  High sodium consumption can lead to high blood pressure, kidney failure, strokes, and a number of other diseases.  High blood pressure is estimated to result in $73 billion in U.S. health spending each year, and some experts have suggested that lowering sodium intake could save as many as 100,000 lives each year.

Some food manufacturers have already taken steps to offer low sodium products, and others, including PepsiCo Inc. and Kraft Foods, plan to reduce sodium content in their products in the coming months.

For more information, visit the IOM report.