Salt for a healthy living
Salt is a vital element to maintain a healthy working system.
It is an abundant and inexpensive resource which carries sodium, chloride and to which iodine can be added - all of which are important nutrients for human health. These nutrients contribute to well-functioning digestive, renal and nervous systems as well as good hormonal balance.
Even though there is no one-size-fits-all guide on how much salt one should consume daily, an insufficient - or excessive - salt intake can have negative effects on the body. For more information about salt dosage recommendations click here.
What is sure, is that our body requires the nutrients sourced from salt for an efficient healthy functioning system and overall well-being.
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The benefits of sodium and chloride
Salt consists of two primary elements, which roughly in terms of weight is around 40% sodium and 60% chloride.
Sodium is an essential compound that the body simply can’t function without and salt is the primary way most people deliver sodium into the body. Sodium helps our bodies retain water through our kidneys. And so a low sodium intake would have a major negative effect on the body as it would cause a stress reaction and activate the Renin, Angiotensin and Aldosterone System (RAAS). The RAAS is a water and sodium conserving system, which regulates the renal Na+ re-absorption, extracellular fluid volume and blood pressure. On average 60% of an adult body is made up of water, so it is essential we maintain adequate levels of water volume in and outside of the cells.
Chloride plays an important role in acid-base balance. It is part of the secretion of hydrochloric acid in gastric juice.
Iodine intake through salt fortification
Salt fortification is a worldwide acknowledged approach supported by organisations such as the WHO to combat micronutrient deficiencies. This makes it the perfect vehicle to deliver chemical elements such as iodine to the global population.
Pregnant women and children are particularly vulnerable to iodine deficiency. It may adversely impact the child's brain development during pregnancy and breastfeeding, can be an aggravating factor for women who could also experience hormonal imbalances during or post-pregnancy.
Delivering iodine via iodisation of salt is a great method of getting iodine to the global population. It is a cost-effective process with established technologies and does not affect the taste of salt and so has already been implemented in 120 countries around the world.
In May 2024, WHO and Iodine Global Network (IGN) have released a critical report highlighting the vital role of iodized salt in preventing iodine deficiency. Learn more about the causes, consequences, and solutions to this ongoing issue in the latest WHO & IGN report.
