Dietary Sodium and Potassium Intakes and Salt Reduction Strategies: Systematic Review in Africa (2012-2022)

Abstract

Excessive salt/sodium (Sodium > 2 grams/day, equivalent to 5 g salt/day) and low potassium (less than 3.5 grams/day) intake increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. To fight against cardiovascular diseases, the nutritional strategy is to regulate the dietary intake of salt/sodium and potassium according to set standards.Objective: This review aimed at documenting salt intake levels and the potential impact of salt reduction initiatives in Africa, based on studies published between January 2012 and April 2022.Methods: These studies were obtained thanks to PubMed/ MEDLINE electronic data, Google Scholar and specialized literature. The PRISMA guidelines were used to conduct the systematic review. Results:The synthesis produced 583 articles of which 39 studies matched our inclusion criteria. Among these 39 studies, 24 (including 3 systematic reviews and one study) assessed the intake of salt/sodium and potassium from urine tests. Seven studies assessed the salt/sodium content in food and 7 other studies focused on the awareness, attitudes, beliefs and practices of populations with regard to salt intake. One study focused on modelling. Salt intake varied from one country to the other; all countries had an intake level beyond set standards (< 5g/d/p).In Benin, for instance, the intake level was 4.4 g/24 h of sodium and 1.8 g/24 h of potassium. In Ghana, the estimated salt intake was 8.3 g/day and 6.8 g/day in South Africa. The salt content assessed in food also differed from one country to the other. In Nigeria, for instance, the sodium content was 1.36 g per 100 g of bread while it was 7.63 g (SD 3.12) per 100 g of bread in Tunisia. In Morocco, it was 8 to 9 g of salt for 100g of bread while it was 6 g in South Africa.

Predictors of hypertension among diabetic patients in the Ejisu municipality of Ghana

“…[80][81][82] This is consistent with study outcomes which report high salt and processed food intake in sub-Saharan Africa. 63,83,84…”

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of the Populations of Dapaong and Its Surroundings in Togo on Sodium/Salt and Potassium Intakes

“…This would explain the high morbidity and mortality rates of non-communicable diseases, making them the leading cause of premature death in the world (32% of all deaths worldwide) [12]. In Togo, a recent study was able to estimate the level of salt consumption at 8g/day in three most populated regions [13]. Another study showed that people consumed more sodium-rich and less potassium-rich foods such as bread and meals with green leafy vegetable sauce, respectively [14].…”