The influence of socio‐economic status on salt consumption in Northern Ireland

Abstract

The long‐established association between high salt consumption and hypertension has led to calls for a reduction in salt intake. There is particular concern for the health status of Northern Irish consumers, who already have among the highest rates of coronary heart disease and stroke in the United Kingdom. With these concerns in mind, it is essential to establish the sources and patterns of salt consumption from discretionary and processed food sources before a reduction can be achieved. This study investigated differences in salt consumption patterns among consumers of varying socio‐economic status. Research consisted of a consumer questionnaire (n= 360) distributed within Northern Ireland. The results of the study revealed high discretionary salt usage and frequent consumption of processed foods among consumers of lower socio‐economic status. General observations from the questionnaire would suggest a need for improved health education for consumers in this group. The objective of health promotion should be to encourage a reduction in table and cooking salt usage and, in particular, in the consumption of highly salted processed foods. Enhanced product labelling is also encouraged to increase consumer awareness of current salt levels in food and of the availability of low‐salt foods. In addition, the results of this study advocate further development activity in the production of product formulations with low‐salt status.

Salt in bread in Europe: potential benefits of reduction

“…51,52 In this regard, a study conducted in Northern Ireland, in which salt intake was found to be higher in people from low SES groups due to their higher consumption of processed foodstuffs, should be noted. 53 A higher Na/K ratio in urine has also been reported in people from low SES groups. 54 Apart from total salt intake, salt sensitivity is an important aspect to consider when assessing cardiovascular risk arising from salt consumption.…”

“…One important point to consider is that individuals in low socioeconomic status (SES) groups tend to have higher blood pressure values, which is basically a reflection of the higher prevalence of overweight/obesity and higher salt intake in these groups 51,52 . In this regard, a study conducted in Northern Ireland, in which salt intake was found to be higher in people from low SES groups due to their higher consumption of processed foodstuffs, should be noted 53 . A higher Na/K ratio in urine has also been reported in people from low SES groups 54 …”

Estimativa de consumo de sódio pela população brasileira, 2002-2003

“…14,20 Even though excess sodium intake in Brazil does not seem to differ substantially from that reported in developed countries, differences in terms of the origin of this nutrient are much more marked. In the developed world, it is estimated that the majority of ingested sodiumbetween 60% and 90% -originates from industrially processed foods rather than from salt added to foods by individuals.…”

Sodium intake and its reduction by food reformulation in the European Union — A review

“…A preferential intake of products containing large amounts of salt may explain why men tend to consume more salt than women, sometimes a third more [14]. Individuals with lower socioeconomic status consume greater amounts of high-sodium processed and packaged foods and adolescents consume significantly more meat and packaged sweets and snacks than recommended suggesting that these populations likely obtain more salt from these sources than other consumer groups [14,30,31].…”