High-salt diets are a major cause oof high blood pressure, the world’s leading risk factor for mortality, and the cause of about two-thirds of strokes and about half of heart disease. Latin America has one of the highest rates of high blood pressure.

Aim:

The aim of this project is to carry out a research that will expand and increase salt reduction programs and support the development of new programs in five Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Paraguay and Peru).

Study design:

This research was carried out in five areas:

1. Evaluation of the sodium content in packaged, artisan, street food and fast food foods; the sodium levels found will be compared with the national objectives and between the countries;
2. Research on consumer knowledge, attitudes and behaviors regarding sodium;
3. Carrying out analyses to determine the health and economic benefits of reducing sodium in the entire population (Costa Rica and Brazil only);
4. The evaluation of the indicators of success of initiatives of programs and associations focused on the reduction of the consumption of salt or sodium; Y
5. Development and use of a knowledge transfer strategy and evaluation of the effectiveness of the efforts.

This consortium work is directed towards innovations in public policies for the reduction of sodium in the food system of the region, with the objective of achieving healthy diets low in sodium through innovations in food, consumer awareness and analysis. health economics. This work can be useful and will provide the basis for the application of healthy diets in the reduction of chronic diseases. The planned work builds on existing strong collaborations with governmental and non-governmental organisations, the food industry and civil society and builds capacity to promote change in the region.

Result:

A brief summary of results is available at: Políticas y programas de reducción de sal en América Latina.

Policy Brief: https://idl-bnc-idrc.dspacedirect.org/bitstream/handle/10625/58928/IDL%20-%2058928.pdf

Contact:

Lorena Saavedra Garcia, MSc
lorena.saavedra.g@upch.pe