A matter of excess
While sodium is found in many popular foods around the planet, we know from research that eating (or drinking) too much can increase blood pressure.
High blood pressure
- High blood pressure is responsible for around 1 in 5 heart attacks and half of all strokes1
- Nearly 30% UK adults have high blood pressure2
- On average, 190 people die each day from heart attacks in the UK2
Lowering the risk
We should eat no more than 5g salt (2000mg sodium) each day6. The government and food industry have been working together to reduce the salt content of foods in the UK.
- Daily salt intakes have come down by 11% between 2005-2014 3
- Reducing salt intake can start to reduce blood pressure in as little as 4 weeks4
- It's estimated that reducing daily salt intakes by 1g could prevent 4147 premature deaths and saves the NHS £288 million each year4
It’s everywhere
Adding salt while cooking or dining only accounts for some of the sodium people consume. Many prepared foods can be high in sodium, and some is even found naturally in everyday foods and drinks.
| Naturally Occurring Sodium5 (per 100g) | |
| Grilled chicken breast | 55mg |
| Semi-skimmed milk | 43mg |
| Buxton mineral water | 2.4mg* |
| Grilled king prawn | 305mg |
*per 100ml
Besides being used to flavour food, sodium is also found in many special ingredients used to enhance or preserve food.
| Sodium bicarbonate | Leavening agent in batters, crispiness enhancer in breading |
| Monosodium glutamate (MSG) | Flavour enhancer |
| Sodium benzoate | Preservative |
| Sodium caseinate | Thickener and binder |
| Sodium citrate | Controls acidity in soft drinks |
| Sodium nitrate | Curing agent in meat |
| Sodium phosphate | Emulsifier and stabiliser |
| Sodium propionate | Mould inhibitor |
| Sodium saccharin | Artificial sweetener |
For more information about Nestlé’s nutrition, health and wellness commitment, please contact us.
