Summary
This WHO guideline document establishes evidence-based recommendations for sodium intake in adults and children, advising a maximum of 2 g of sodium (5 g salt) per day for adults, with adjusted lower limits for children. The guidance is informed by systematic reviews of evidence on the relationship between sodium consumption, blood pressure, and cardiovascular health outcomes. It is intended to support member states and public health practitioners in developing dietary policies and population-level interventions to reduce sodium intake.
UK applicability
The WHO guideline is directly applicable to UK policy and practice; Public Health England and subsequent UK health bodies have referenced similar thresholds in national salt reduction strategies, and the UK's voluntary salt reduction programme broadly aligns with these international targets.
Key measures
Recommended daily sodium intake (g/day); blood pressure outcomes; cardiovascular disease risk
Outcomes reported
The guideline sets recommended maximum daily sodium intake levels for adults and children, drawing on evidence linking high sodium consumption to raised blood pressure and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Topic tags
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