Institute of Medicine cautioned on dangers of population-wide salt reduction

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Morton Satin
March 31, 2009 Phone: 703-549-4648 morton@saltinstitute.org
 
Institute of Medicine cautioned on dangers of population-wide salt reduction
 
Washington DC— The food scientist responsible for the original introduction of folic acid, biotin and fiber supplementation into commercial food products in North America during the 70’s cautioned an Institute of Medicine (IOM) committee on the unintended consequences of population-wide salt reduction. Morton Satin, Director of Technical and Regulatory Affairs at the Salt Institute, made a presentation to the IOM Committee on Strategies to Reduce Sodium on March 30 in Washington DC.
 
Satin cited his concern over the "degree to which personality and politics have dominated over what should have been a comprehensive and dispassionate consideration of all the science relating to salt and health and the potential impact of a population-wide reduction in salt consumption." He went on to warn the committee: "While no one doubts that a certain proportion of our population may experience modest blood pressure declines from salt reduction, it has by no means been scientifically established that a population-wide reduction will benefit health outcomes. Indeed, the literature abounds with references alluding to possible harm for some."
 
Satin said his chief concern is the potential harm from unintended consequences, including introduction of salt replacements--an arsenal of synthetic chemical products that have never been tested for their interactions and toxicities at the projected levels. According to Satin, it is little different than replacing hard animal fats with trans fats or cane sugar with the several industrial chemicals we call sugar replacers today. "Sooner or later, a fuller understanding of their toxicities will be revealed, but no one will be around to take responsibility for the ill-conceived strategy that prompted them," said Satin.
 
"Before we subject a generation of consumers to one of the largest clinical trials ever carried out, without their knowledge and without their consent, I ask the Committee members to use their talent, training and common sense to place this whole matter into perspective," concluded Satin. Instead, he encouraged the IOM to focus their energies on promoting a well-balanced diet and encouraging the food industry to make fruits and vegetables in more convenient forms that will stimulate greater consumption.