The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, cautioned Nigerians against consuming too much salt and sodium, which can lead to hypertension and heart diseases. Speaking at a news conference for the 2024 Salt Awareness Week, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Ms Daju Kachollom, he emphasized the need to raise awareness about the dangers of excessive salt intake.
According to Pate, at least 10% of cardiovascular disease deaths in Nigeria are linked to excessive sodium consumption. Nigerian adults consume an average of 2.3-10 grams of sodium and 5.8-25 grams of salt daily, exceeding the World Health Organizations recommended daily intake of 2 grams of sodium and 5 grams of salt.
Pate stressed that reducing sodium intake is crucial for controlling blood pressure and preventing hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. He noted that salt is a hidden culprit in our diets, contributing to the burden of cardiovascular diseases.
Citing a WHO report, Pate mentioned that excessive salt intake claims approximately 17.9 million lives worldwide, leading to high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. Implementing sodium reduction strategies can lead to significant healthcare savings and prevent costly medical treatments.
