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Hyderabad: International experts, prompted by a comprehensive study, advocate for a crucial change in hypertension guidelines by pushing for the inclusion of potassium-enriched salt with low sodium content.
Professor Alta Schutte, of the George Institute for Global Health, emphasized the urgency of the move, saying: “Current clinical guidelines provide incomplete and inconsistent recommendations on the use of these salt substitutes.”
One doctor said: “As a society, we must prioritize the availability and accessibility of low-sodium, potassium-enriched salts, at home, in restaurants and in grocery stores. These products should not be marketed or priced as a luxury. The “Salt enriched with sodium and potassium may become the new standard.”
In India, daily salt consumption exceeds the WHO recommended levels.
Dr Somnath Gupta, Senior Diabetologist, speaking on the importance of reducing sodium intake, said, “While an average Indian consumes about 10 gm of salt per day or more, the WHO recommendation is less than 5 gm. “This is known to prevent cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular disease and hypertension, among others.”
Senior consultant physician Dr Dilip Gude highlighted the benefits of low sodium intake for everyone, but also raised a crucial concern about the potential risks. He stated: “In subsets of patients with kidney disease and those with high serum potassium levels due to medications and/or various etiologies care should be taken as there may be an increased risk of arrhythmias/sudden cardiac death.”
Professor Vivekanand Jha addressed concerns about the impact of potassium-fortified salt on people with advanced kidney disease, while assuring that “in studies conducted so far, no serious problems have been reported due to the use of salt substitutes.” that contain potassium”.
Diabetologist Dr. Hamsa Rani highlighted the essential role of routine monitoring of sodium and potassium levels. He expressed concern about insufficient testing, saying that “unfortunately, these levels are not routinely tested, making it difficult to identify potential problems early.”
Symptoms of potassium deficiency, ranging from high blood pressure and constipation to muscle weakness and heart problems, need close monitoring, he said.
“Patients may not be aware of the risks they face due to insufficient testing, causing conditions such as diarrhea or prolonged vomiting to silently contribute to potassium depletion,” he added.
Dr. Rani encouraged people to proactively discuss these concerns with their healthcare providers, advocating for a more comprehensive approach to preventive care. The hidden threats of low sodium and potassium levels may be lurking, but with informed conversations and a proactive mindset, patients can work together with their healthcare teams to ensure a more comprehensive and personalized approach to wellness, he said.