Low Sodium=High Mortality? | Important Research

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Low Sodium=High Mortality?

Population-wide restrictions of dietary sodium have been recommended, yet little evidence has shown a direct link between sodium intake and mortality. An observational study on the relationship of sodium intake to all-cause and cardiovascular disease in the general population found an inverse association of salt intake and mortality.

After adjustment for age and sex, the mortality rate from any cause was highest among those who reported the lowest sodium intake and lowest among the group with the highest sodium intake. Results showed significant differences across the four quartiles of sodium intake in mean age; blood pressure; body-mass index (women only); use of table salt; and history of cardiovascular disease or hypertension. Sodium and calorie intakes were closely related.

These findings do not justify any particular dietary recommendation, but may be valuable in relating sodium intake to mortality rather than an intermediate variable (i.e., blood pressure). The relationship of low vs. high levels of sodium to survival may be significant, but must be considered within the dietary context.

Alderman MH, Cohen H, Madhavan S. Dietary sodium intake and mortality: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES I). Lancet, March 13, 1998;351(9105), pp781-85.