Health Minister warns Nigerians about excessive salt intake

Prof. Ali Pate, the coordinating minister of Health and Social Welfare, has advised Nigerians to be mindful of their salt and sodium intake, highlighting potential risks such as hypertension and other heart-related ailments.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja to mark the 2024 Salt Awareness Week under the theme “It’s Time to Shine the Spotlight on Salt,” Pate emphasized the need for increased public awareness regarding the dangers of excessive salt consumption.

Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ms Daju Kachollom, Pate underscored that a significant portion of cardiovascular disease deaths in Nigeria—about 10 percent—is linked to excessive sodium intake. He mentioned varying estimates of daily sodium intake among Nigerian adults, ranging from 2.3 to 10 grams, along with dietary salt intake ranging from 5.8 to 25 grams, far exceeding WHO’s recommended daily limits of 2 grams of sodium and 5 grams of salt.

Pate stressed the importance of reducing sodium intake to control blood pressure, thereby mitigating the risks of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. He described salt as a hidden contributor to these health issues, emphasizing the impact of dietary choices on overall health outcomes.

Referring to a WHO report citing approximately 17.9 million deaths linked to salt intake-related complications such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes, Pate highlighted the potential healthcare savings and preventive benefits associated with implementing sodium reduction strategies.