[Impact of salt intake on health: beliefs of the Swiss population]

Rev Med Suisse. 2013 Sep 11;9(397):1613-6.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Excessive salt intake increases the risk of developing hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Sodium intake remains high both in developed and emerging countries. The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health has ordered a national survey on the salt intake in Switzerland, realized in different centers. This article presents the results of the awareness of the Swiss population concerning the relationship between excessive salt intake and health. This survey reveals a lack of knowledge regarding the association between high salt intake and cardiovascular disease, the sodium content of usual food, and the recommended daily value of sodium intake. Strategies to reduce salt consumption need to be reinforced by collaborations between health authorities and health care professionals.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
  • Cooperative Behavior
  • Feeding Behavior*
  • Female
  • Food Analysis
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / etiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nutrition Surveys
  • Sodium, Dietary / administration & dosage*
  • Switzerland
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Sodium, Dietary