Availability, Formulation, Labeling, and Price of Low-sodium Salt Worldwide: Environmental Scan

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#blood-pressure #diet-sodium-restricted #humans #sodium #sodium-chloride

Availability, Formulation, Labeling, and Price of Low-sodium Salt Worldwide: Environmental Scan

Yin et al., 2021 | JMIR Public Health Surveill | Systematic Review

Citation

Yin Xuejun, Liu Hueiming, ... Tian Maoyi. Availability, Formulation, Labeling, and Price of Low-sodium Salt Worldwide: Environmental Scan. JMIR Public Health Surveill. 2021-Jul-14;7(7):e27423. doi:10.2196/27423

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Regular salt is about 100% sodium chloride. Low-sodium salts have reduced sodium chloride content, most commonly through substitution with potassium chloride. Low-sodium salts have a potential role in reducing the population's sodium intake levels and blood pressure, but their availability in the global market is unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the availability, formulation, labeling, and price of low-sodium salts currently available to consumers worldwide. METHODS: Low-sodium salts were identified through a systematic literature review, Google search, online shopping site searches, and inquiry of key informants. The keywords "salt substitute," "low-sodium salt," "potassium salt," "mineral salt," and "sodium reduced salt" in six official languages of the United Nations were used for the search. Information about the brand, formula, labeling, and price was extracted and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 87 low-sodium salts were available in 47 out of 195 (24%) countries worldwide, including 28 high-income countries, 13 upper-middle-income countries, and 6 lower-middle-income countries. The proportion of sodium chloride varied from 0% (sodium-free) to 88% (as percent of weight; regular salt is 100% sodium chloride). Potassium chloride was the most frequent component with levels ranging from 0% to 100% (potassium chloride salt). A total of 43 (49%) low-sodium salts had labels with the potential health risks, and 33 (38%) had labels with the potential health benefits. The median price of low-sodium salts in high-income, upper-middle-income, and lower-middle-income countries was US $15.00/kg (IQR 6.4-22.5), US $2.70/kg (IQR 1.7-5.5), and US $2.90/kg (IQR 0.50-22.2), respectively. The price of low-sodium salts was between 1.1 and 14.6 times that of regular salts. CONCLUSIONS: Low-sodium salts are not widely available and are commonly more expensive than regular salts. Policies that promote the availability, affordability, and labeling of low-sodium salts should increase uptake, helping populations reduce blood pressure and prevent cardiovascular diseases. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.1111/jch.14054.

Key Findings

A total of 87 low-sodium salts were available in 47 out of 195 (24%) countries worldwide, including 28 high-income countries, 13 upper-middle-income countries, and 6 lower-middle-income countries. The proportion of sodium chloride varied from 0% (sodium-free) to 88% (as percent of weight; regular salt is 100% sodium chloride). Potassium chloride was the most frequent component with levels ranging from 0% to 100% (potassium chloride salt). A total of 43 (49%) low-sodium salts had labels with the

Outcomes Measured

  • blood pressure

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition blood pressure

MeSH Terms

  • Blood Pressure
  • Diet, Sodium-Restricted
  • Humans
  • Sodium
  • Sodium Chloride
  • Sodium Chloride, Dietary

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: potassium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09