Reducing Salt Could Save Americans Billions In Health Costs

Washington, DC (AHN) – If Americans reduced the amount of salt in their diets, the country could save about $18 billion in healthcare costs, according to a new study.

The study from RAND Corporation researchers also said that a concerted effort to reduce salt intake would improve the quality of life for millions of Americans.

The researchers said in a statement that meeting national sodium guidelines could eliminated 11 million cases of high blood pressure nationally and prolong the lives of thousands of people annually. If a monetary value was put on this improved quality of life, the researchers said it would be about $32 billion a year.

The Institute of Medicine recommends that adults consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium daily, with lower amounts for older people, African Americans and people with high blood pressure.

The study is published in the September/October edition of the Journal of Health Promotion.

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