Salt 'as bad as cigarettes'

12/10/08 7:01 PM

AAPDecember 03, 2008 03:36pm
Health & Lifestyle
AUSTRALIANS are consuming too much salt, say nutritionists who blame not only fast food but also
healthier alternatives such as canned vegetables and baked beans.
Less than 5 per cent of all sausages and beef burgers sold in the nation's supermarkets contained
acceptable levels of salt, a Nutrition Society of Australia conference has also heard.
Jacqui Webster, a senior project manager based at Sydney's The George Institute for International
Health, said Australians were consuming well over the maximum recommended intake of six grams
of salt a day.
"Despite being aware of the adverse health effects of salt, most Australian consumers are taking little
action to reduce their intake,'' Ms Webster told the conference.
"Consuming too much salt, or sodium, can lead to serious health problems including high blood
pressure, cardiovascular disease, stroke, osteoporosis and stomach cancer.
"There is also some evidence that it adds to the severity of asthma symptoms.''
Ms Webster said the 2007 Australian National Children's Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey
showed boys were consuming around 9g of salt daily, while girls came in at the maximum 6g.
She said it was also likely that many adults consumed in excess of the 9g of salt each day.
Ms Webster said foods contributing to high salt diet included bread, processed meats, baked beans,
canned vegetables, table sauces, some breakfast cereals and fast food.
Research in the UK showed processed foods accounted for 75 per cent of salt in a person's diet, with
10 per cent from natural foods like fish and vegetables.
The remaining 15 per cent was salt added at the table or during cooking.
Given the dire health consequences, Ms Webster said reducing salt in the diet should be "considered
on the same level of importance as reducing obesity, alcohol and tobacco consumption''.
Leading nutritionists from around Australia and the world are attending the conference in Adelaide.