The FDA is planning to reduce its recommendations for sodium intake. The agency aims to lower the average daily sodium intake from 3,400 mg to 3,000 mg, which is about a 12% reduction over the next 2.5 years. While this reduction is a step in the right direction, it still exceeds the recommended limit of 2,300 mg per day for individuals aged 14 and older by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
High sodium levels in the food supply have been associated with various health issues, including heart disease and hypertension. The American Heart Association suggests that the ideal daily salt intake should be 1,500 mg, with a maximum limit of 2,300 mg.
Reducing sodium levels in food products can significantly reduce the risk of various health conditions and save billions of dollars in healthcare costs over the next decade. Many food and restaurant companies have already started to decrease sodium in their products, and there is a call for the industry as a whole to adopt these targets and continue efforts to reduce sodium content in their offerings.