The ICMR-National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE) has sounded an alarm on a growing but quiet public health crisis — excessive salt consumption across India. Termed a “Silent Salt Consumption Epidemic,” this issue is fuelling the rise in hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disorders, often going unnoticed until serious complications arise.
What’s the Crisis
Despite WHO’s recommended limit of 5g/day, average salt intake in India remains dangerously high — 9.2g/day in urban areas and 5.6g/day in rural regions. Recognizing this threat, ICMR has launched a three-year intervention in Punjab and Telangana focusing on salt-reduction counselling among hypertensive individuals.
Key Insights:
- Common salt (NaCl) is a major source of sodium linked to high blood pressure.
- Low-sodium substitutes, using potassium or magnesium salts, can reduce BP by 7/4 mmHg on average.
- Salt-heavy diets are deeply ingrained in Indian cuisine, snacks, and processed foods, often leading to unconscious overconsumption.
- The public remains unaware of sodium limits and long-term risks, worsening India’s non-communicable disease burden.
India’s fight against NCDs must include raising awareness and offering alternatives to reduce salt intake. The ICMR’s pilot in Punjab and Telangana is a step toward healthier dietary habits and improved public health outcomes.
