JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The salt substitutes are edible salts that contains less sodium chloride through substitution with other minerals and are an important and effective intervention and public health strategy on hypertension and its secondary diseases despite a small amount of controversy.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to comment systemic the current strategies and initiatives to implement low sodium salt in various countries and intergovernmental organizations worldwide.

Methods:

Using the name of each country and different common names of salt substitutes as keywords, salt substitute initiatives in different countries were extracted in terms of salt reduction programs, laws and regulations, and industry norms. And then we commented systemically on the current strategies and initiatives to implement salt substitutes in various countries and intergovernmental organizations worldwide.

Results:

Thirty-five initiatives from 11 countries (9 were high-income countries) and 3 intergovernmental organizations were identified, including risk-benefit assessments and cautions, plans and actions, regulations and standards, labels, food reformulation, and cooperation with the food industry and media. More than half of the salt substitute initiatives were put forward within five years (n=18). We analyzed the features of the current initiatives and provided ideas and suggestions for the promotion and regulation of salt substitute applications.

Conclusions:

At present, a few countries have different initiatives. We call on more countries to pay attention and propose salt substitute initiatives in line with their national conditions.