Salt intake was not associated with mortality or risk for cardiovascular disease and heart failure in older adults based on self-reported estimated sodium intake, according to a researchers from Emory University in Atlanta, US.
However, the study, published online in January by Jama Internal Medicine, has been criticised by other experts on salt and health experts, who say the study is flawed and that a large body of existing evidence suggests salt is bad for health.
The Emory University researchers said data on sodium restriction among older adults are scarce, especially those with their blood pressure on target. They said achieving a sodium intake of less than 1,500 mg/day as currently recommended for adults over 50 also was difficult for older adults in part because of long-held dietary habits.
For these reasons, the researchers said the incremental benefit of restricting sodium to lower targets needed to be evaluated.
