Recommended daily salt intake
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Recommended Daily Salt Intake: Global Guidelines and Evidence
WHO and National Health Organization Salt Intake Recommendations
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults consume less than 5 grams of salt per day to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and related health problems 67. Many national health agencies, such as those in the UK, also set a recommended maximum of 6 grams per day for adults . These guidelines are based on the association between high salt intake, increased blood pressure, and higher risk of cardiovascular diseases 57.
Actual Salt Consumption Patterns Worldwide
Despite these recommendations, most adults worldwide consume much more salt than advised. Studies show that average daily salt intake in many countries ranges from 6 to 12 grams, with most populations exceeding the recommended maximum 1268+2 MORE. For example, in England and Scotland, adults consume about 8 grams per day, which is 30% higher than the recommended limit . In Germany, men consume a median of 10 grams and women 8.4 grams daily . In India, average intake is around 8 to 10 grams per day, with men, rural residents, and overweight individuals consuming even more 810. Similar high intakes are reported across the WHO European Region, with nearly all countries exceeding the 5-gram recommendation .
Health Effects of Salt Intake: Evidence and Debate
There is a well-established link between high salt intake and increased blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease 457. Reducing salt intake by 3 grams per day can lower blood pressure and is estimated to reduce strokes by 13% and heart disease by 10% . Larger reductions could have even greater benefits .
However, some research questions whether very low salt intake (below 5.8 grams per day) provides additional health benefits for the general population. Several studies suggest that the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality is seen with moderate salt intake (3 to 5 grams of sodium per day, equivalent to about 7.5 to 12.5 grams of salt), and that both very high and very low intakes may be linked to increased health risks 123. These studies argue that current guidelines for very low salt intake are not strongly supported by high-quality evidence and may not be feasible for most people 123.
Strategies to Reduce Salt Intake
Efforts to reduce salt intake focus on public health campaigns, reformulation of processed foods, clearer food labeling, and consumer education . Reducing salt in commonly consumed foods, especially baked goods, is seen as an effective and practical approach . Despite these initiatives, most populations still consume more salt than recommended, highlighting the need for continued action and improved strategies 567.
Conclusion
Most health organizations recommend that adults consume less than 5 to 6 grams of salt per day to lower the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease 567. However, actual salt intake in most countries is much higher, and there is ongoing debate about the ideal target for salt reduction. While reducing very high salt intake is clearly beneficial, the evidence for pushing intake below 5 grams per day for everyone is less certain. Public health efforts continue to focus on reducing population salt intake to recommended levels to improve overall health outcomes 1234+6 MORE.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic