Study: potassium-enriched salt could prevent almost 3 million deaths a year
Researchers estimate that switching to potassium-enriched salt could prevent almost 3 million deaths and over 10 million new cases of heart and kidney disease each year worldwide. The study, from The George Institute for Global Health, is published in Nature Health.
For information only, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor about your own health.
- Researchers modelled a switch to potassium-enriched salt across 193 countries.
- They estimate 2.96 million deaths and 10.17 million new disease cases could be prevented yearly.
- People with advanced kidney disease or certain medications need precautions, the authors say.
Researchers at The George Institute for Global Health in Australia say switching the world's salt supply to potassium-enriched salt could prevent almost 3 million deaths a year. The study, published in Nature Health, assessed the health benefits across 193 countries.
According to Euronews, the exact estimates are 2.96 million deaths and 10.17 million new cases of cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease prevented every year. Potassium-enriched salt replaces some of the sodium chloride in regular salt with potassium chloride.
The study looked at hypothetical scenarios, from a full global switch of all salt to targeted use only among people with diagnosed and treated high blood pressure. Even the most limited level of switching still showed major health gains.
Replacing household salt alone could prevent an estimated 1.85 million deaths and 6.19 million cases a year, Euronews reported. Changing the salt used in processed and restaurant foods could prevent a further 1.56 million deaths and 5.46 million cases.
By country, a complete switch could prevent an estimated 1.08 million deaths a year in China, followed by India with almost 400,000. In the United Kingdom, the figure is nearly 13,000 deaths and around 60,000 disease cases a year.
Study author Bruce Neal said: "Consuming too much sodium and not enough potassium are well-established causes of high blood pressure—a major risk factor for life-threatening conditions like strokes, heart attacks and kidney disease." He said potassium-enriched salt addresses both issues at once.
The researchers note risks for some groups. People with advanced kidney disease, and those taking medications that raise potassium levels, may be vulnerable to hyperkalaemia. Vivek Jha said: "Risks for this group can be managed effectively through patient education, product labeling and clinical oversight." The study found that even among patients with advanced kidney disease the benefits outweigh the risks.
Neal said the food industry in Europe and North America, where over 70% of salt intake comes from processed and restaurant foods, would need to take part for maximum benefit. He said production of potassium chloride may need to expand to meet demand. The WHO endorsed potassium-enriched salt in 2025 to reduce blood pressure and cardiovascular risk.
Why it matters
High salt intake and heart disease are major health burdens in Pakistan, so the findings apply to local diets. The study estimates that India alone could avoid almost 400,000 deaths a year with a full switch.
