The high intake of sodium and low intake of potassium are major factors contributing to high blood pressure in Indonesia, leading to calls for the availability of low-sodium potassium-rich salt substitutes (LSSS) to help improve health and reduce healthcare costs. Research conducted by Griffith University in Indonesia has shown that replacing regular table salt with a low-sodium alternative could have a significant impact on public health. The World Health Organization has recommended a reduction in sodium consumption to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, including high blood pressure. LSSS have been found to be similar in taste to table salt, making them a viable option for consumers looking to reduce their sodium intake.
Implementation of LSSS in Indonesia could prevent up to 1.5 million non-fatal cardiovascular disease events and over 640,000 new cases of chronic kidney disease over a 10-year period. The potential health benefits of LSSS are particularly significant for low-income populations, as they are more likely to be affected by health issues related to high sodium intake. The research team hopes that these findings will motivate the Indonesian government and other countries to consider replacing regular salt with LSSS or making them more readily available and affordable to the public. By reducing sodium intake through LSSS, the population could see improvements in their overall health and a decrease in healthcare expenditures.
Dr. Wahyu Nugraheni, co-author of the study, highlighted that Indonesians consume more sodium than is necessary for optimal health, making LSSS a valuable tool for effortlessly reducing sodium intake in their diets. The availability of LSSS could provide a cost-effective measure for preventing heart attacks, strokes, and kidney diseases, ultimately leading to significant healthcare savings of up to US$2 billion (IDR 27.7 trillion) over a decade. The research findings are expected to influence upcoming WHO guidelines on the cost-effectiveness of implementing LSSS, as well as their potential impact on health inequalities.
The research paper, titled ‘Cost-effectiveness analysis of low-sodium potassium-rich salt substitutes in Indonesia: an equity modeling study,’ has been published in The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia. The study underscores the importance of reducing sodium intake and increasing potassium levels in the diet to improve public health outcomes, particularly in countries like Indonesia where high blood pressure is a prevalent issue. By promoting the use of LSSS and encouraging policy changes to make them more accessible to the population, significant advancements can be made in combating hypertension and related health conditions.
Overall, the introduction of low-sodium potassium-rich salt substitutes could have a transformative impact on the health of the Indonesian population, leading to a reduction in the prevalence of high blood pressure and related diseases. By implementing LSSS on a population-wide scale, healthcare costs could be significantly reduced, benefiting both individuals and the healthcare system as a whole. The research findings provide valuable insight into the potential benefits of LSSS and call for further action to make these alternatives more widely available and affordable to the public. With the support of the government and global health organizations, the adoption of LSSS could play a crucial role in improving public health outcomes and reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases in Indonesia and beyond.