Hypertension: Pate warns against excessive salt intake
By Innocent Raphael
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, has warned Nigerians against excessive consumption of salt and sodium consumption.
Pate said its excessive consumption could lead to hypertension and heart diseases.
He gave the warning on Tuesday at a press conference, marking the 2024 Salt Awareness Week under the theme “It’s Time to Shine the Spotlight”.
The Minister, represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ms. Daju Kachollom, emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to raising public awareness about the health risks associated with high salt intake.
According to Pate, excess sodium consumption is responsible for at least 10 percent of cardiovascular disease deaths in Nigeria.
Highlighting the gravity of the issue, Pate presented data showing that Nigerian adults’ average daily sodium intake ranges from 2.3 to 10 grams, and salt intake from 5.8 to 25 grams.
He also noted that these figures far exceed the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations of 2 grams of sodium and 5 grams of salt per day.
“Reducing sodium intake is essential for controlling blood pressure, which is key to preventing hypertension and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases,” Pate stated.
He described salt as a “hidden adversary” in people’s diets, significantly contributing to the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in the country.
“Nigeria is not immune to the global epidemic of hypertension and heart diseases,” Pate warned. “The choices we make at our dining tables, the ingredients we stir into our pots, and the snacks we consume at leisure all contribute to the silent escalation of health risks associated with high salt intake.”
Citing a WHO report, Pate noted that excessive salt intake contributes to 17.9 million deaths globally through conditions like high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.
He advocated for the implementation of sodium reduction strategies, which could lead to significant healthcare savings and prevent expensive treatments for diseases linked to high sodium intake.
