Zout en hypertensie: verlaging op populatieniveau geoorloofd?

The average salt intake in the Netherlands is well above the nationally recommended maximum intake of 6 grams per day. People with high intakes, especially if they have hypertension or type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or are older than 50 years of age are advised to lower their salt intake. Decreasing the intake of highly processed foods to which salt has been added and lowering the salt content of these foods seems to be sensible advice on a population level. Salt in food is directly related to blood pressure but also increases the palatability of processed foods and increases thirst, which may contribute to obesity. Reductions in salt intake should be accompanied by an increase in food rich in potassium such as vegetables, avoidance of excessive alcohol intake and the maintenance of a healthy weight. This strategy would not only be beneficial for improved blood pressure control but would also contribute to the general prevention of non-communicable diseases