Switch to reduced-sodium salt substitute ‘would prevent millions of deaths a year’

Raised blood pressure is the biggest cause of death globally, causing more than 10 million deaths per year

There has been a lack of government action on the food industry to cut high salt intake, say critics (AFP via Getty)

Replacing table salt with a reduced-sodium substitute significantly reduces rates of stroke, heart attack and death, according to a study.

Researchers are calling on the government to get the food industry “urgently” to reduce the amount of added salt to, “save the maximum number of people dying unnecessarily”.

Raised blood pressure is the biggest cause of death globally, resulting in more than 10 million deaths a year. High levels of sodium intake and low levels of potassium intake are linked to high blood pressure and greater risks of stroke, heart disease and premature death.