Commentary on Making Sense of the Science of Sodium

Sodium reduction is an important component of a healthy dietary pattern to reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Numerous authoritative scientific bodies and professional health organizations have issued population sodium intake recommendations, all of which are at least 1000 mg/d lower than the current average American sodium intake of nearly 3500 mg/d. Recent research has called these recommendations into question, but a number of methodological issues may account for the inconsistency of results in observational studies examining the relationship between sodium intake and health outcomes. Health and nutrition professionals must consider that public health recommendations are made after weighing all of the evidence, including studies of greater and lesser strength of design and some with conflicting results.