The European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) Panel on dietetic products, nutrition and allergies (NDA) has issued an opinion on the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of Sodium, warning that salt increases blood pressure, a major risk factor in heart disease and premature death.
The panel stated that althoufh sodium is an essential nutrient, most Europeans’ daily intake of sodium (8-11g) far exceeds the daily recommended allowance of 1.5g. The major sources of sodium in diet are processed foods (70-75%), naturally occuring sodium in unprocessed food (10-15%) and the addition of salt during cooking or at the table (10-15%). Hence, processed foods are both the major source of salt in a person’s diet, and the factor which individuals are least able to control.
The main health effect of too much sodium is high blood pressure, which is ’an acknowledged risk factor for ischaemic heart disease, stroke and renal disease which are major causes of morbidity and mortality in Europe’.
The danger for children of eating too much salt is particularly great because of the impact throughout life. The EFSA report noted that studies indicate that if children’s blood pressure increases due to excess intake of salt the pressure levels can remain high later in life, even when salt intake is reduced.
In addition the panel points out that, although sodium is not carcinogenic in itself, high intake levels may increase suceptibility to carcinogens, leading to e.g. stomach cancer.
As to the recommended level of sodium intake the panel said it was not possible to identify a level above the daily recommended intake (1.5g) which is unlikely to pose risks, e.g; safe. It also said that there was insufficient information to establish a Tolerable Upper Intake Level for Salt.
For more information, Consensus Action on Salt and Health - CASH has extensive scientific information about the negative impact of health of excess salt consumption.
2007-01-04 12:08:13
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answer #1
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answered by jenny 5
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salt contains Na(sodium)which is in our extra cellular matrix ..that is outside the cell.and Na moves simulatneously with water.so if u consume more salt more water will be retained in the body ..and this will give signals to Renin Angiotensin system ,so this system will retain more water .so thr will be more load on the heart.so if the pateint is already hypertensive or has any problems related to the heart ,thrs more danger coz thr will be excess load on the heart to pump out the extra fluid.
2007-01-04 12:09:33
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answer #2
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answered by unknown 2
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High sodium levels (the Na in NaCl, table salt) is associated with high blood pressure, but on the other hand, salt is used as a preservative in food, and it tastes good, at least in moderation.
2007-01-04 12:08:56
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answer #3
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answered by DavidNH 6
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High blood Pressure
2007-01-04 12:06:57
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answer #4
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answered by Allen L 4
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Sodium is present in large amounts in table salt, as well as in many prepared foods, including soups, baking soda, seasonings, condiments, antacids, and even some prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
Although sodium is necessary to regulate muscle contraction, fluid balance and nerve impulses in the human body, the average American consumes three to 10 times the daily amount needed to maintain these basic functions. In fact, an adult only needs 500 mg to 1,000 mg daily, which is equivalent to ½ to 1½ teaspoons of table salt.
A diet high in sodium can increase your chance of developing high blood pressure, which in turn can raise your risk of heart disease, kidney disease and stroke. The best ways to cut back on sodium in your diet are to avoid adding salt to your food, to steer clear of processed foods (cook from scratch as much as possible), and to look for foods labeled "sodium free," "low sodium," or "reduced sodium."
2007-01-04 12:08:58
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answer #5
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answered by kimmy p 2
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Sodium causes you to retain fluids, which can cause a fluid over-load, which makes the heart have to work harder, which elevates the blood pressure, which can lead to a stroke. They also believe that too much sodium may contribute to bone-loss (osteoporosis).
2007-01-04 12:10:07
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answer #6
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answered by Lisa B 2
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It effects your cholesterol therefore setting you up for heart problems and high blood pressure
2007-01-04 12:06:53
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answer #7
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answered by Lisa 3
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Dehydration, hypertension ( high blood pressure) , kidney stones and swelling
2007-01-04 12:14:54
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answer #8
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answered by Me 6
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Sodium poisoning.. Bloating and retaining too much water
2007-01-04 12:07:05
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answer #9
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answered by Distance Ed 1
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high blood pressure for sure
blood clots
weight gain
2007-01-04 12:08:05
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answer #10
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answered by SouthernWeeze 3
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