Salt consumption in households in Poland

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Public Health
• Dietary Habits Research

Background:

• Dietary sodium primarily comes from table salt and processed foods, with WHO recommending no more than 2,000 mg daily for adults.
• Global average daily sodium intake is 4,278 mg, significantly exceeding recommended limits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess table salt consumption, sodium intake levels, and primary dietary sources in Poland from 2015 to 2024.
• To analyze trends in salt and sodium consumption in relation to public health recommendations.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Household Budget Survey spanning 2015 to 2024 for consumption assessment.
• Calculated salt amounts into sodium content using the National Tables of the Composition and Nutritive Value of Foods (2020).

Main Results:

• Observed a decrease in salt consumption in Poland from 2015 to 2024, with mean table salt consumption dropping by 1 g/person/day.
• Total daily salt intake decreased by 1.6 g/person, and mean total sodium intake fell from 3,887 mg to 3,270 mg per person/day.
• Despite reductions, total salt intake exceeded the WHO's 5 g recommendation annually, with cereals identified as a major sodium source besides table salt.

Conclusions:

• Total salt and sodium intake in Poland continue to surpass WHO recommended limits, despite a declining trend over the past decade.
• Intensified efforts are crucial to mitigate adverse health effects of excessive salt consumption.
• Strategies should focus on food product reformulation and consumer education, emphasizing reduced intake of ultra-processed foods.