Recent studies in India reveal excessive salt intake as a major health risk. Scientists from the Indian Council of Medical Research’s National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE) have launched community-led initiatives to reduce salt consumption. These efforts focus on promoting low-sodium salt substitutes and structured counselling to lower hypertension and related diseases.
High Salt Consumption in India
Salt intake in India exceeds World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations. Urban Indians consume about 9.2 grams daily, nearly double the advised 5 grams. Rural areas also surpass limits with 5.6 grams per day. Excess salt raises risks of hypertension, stroke, heart disease, and kidney disorders.
Low-Sodium Salt Substitutes
Low-sodium salts replace some sodium chloride with potassium or magnesium salts. This reduces blood pressure and improves heart health. Switching to these substitutes can lower blood pressure by an average of 7/4 mmHg. Such small reductions have public health benefits, especially for hypertensive individuals.
Community-Led Intervention Projects
ICMR-NIE launched a three-year salt reduction study in Punjab and Telangana. Health workers at Health and Wellness Centres provide counselling to hypertensive patients. The project is in its first year, focusing on baseline data and co-creating intervention materials with community health workers. This participatory approach ensures relevance and effectiveness.
Challenges in Availability and Pricing
A market survey in Chennai found low-sodium salts in only 28% of retail outlets. Supermarkets stocked 52%, but small shops had just 4%. The price of low-sodium salt is Rs 5.6 per 100g, more than double regular iodised salt at Rs 2.7 per 100g. This gap reflects low demand, limited awareness, and poor accessibility.
Public Awareness Campaigns
The #PinchForAChange campaign was launched on social media to raise awareness. It uses infographics and simple messages to show hidden salt sources and promote healthier alternatives. The campaign aims to empower individuals to make informed dietary choices and reduce salt intake.
Integration into Public Health Systems
If successful, the project could integrate dietary counselling into existing health services. This would improve health literacy and reduce hypertension-related diseases. The approach emphasises collaboration, education, and sustainable behaviour change, addressing the silent epidemic of excessive salt consumption.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss the impact of dietary salt reduction on public health and its role in controlling non-communicable diseases in India.
- Examine the challenges and opportunities in implementing community-based health interventions in rural and urban India.
- Analyse the relationship between food pricing, consumer behaviour, and health outcomes in developing countries.
- Estimate the role of social media campaigns in influencing public health awareness and behaviour change in India.
