WHO guidelines on low sodium salt explained

November 20, 2025 •

2 min read

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that consuming too much sodium is responsible for an estimated 1.89 million deaths each year. In response, the WHO has issued definitive WHO guidelines on low sodium salt, endorsing potassium-enriched salt substitutes to lower blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

Quick Summary

The WHO recommends adults consume less than 5g of salt daily, endorsing potassium-enriched salt substitutes to combat excessive sodium intake and increase beneficial potassium consumption, which can help lower blood pressure. The guidelines target public health strategies but advise caution for individuals with kidney disease or other specific health concerns.

Key Points

WHO Recommends Low-Sodium Salt: The World Health Organization endorses replacing regular table salt with lower-sodium, potassium-enriched substitutes to reduce blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk.
Daily Sodium Limit: The WHO recommends adults limit their sodium intake to less than 2,000 mg per day (equivalent to 5g of salt).
Not for Everyone: Potassium-enriched substitutes are not suitable for individuals with certain health conditions, like chronic kidney disease, or those on specific medications that affect potassium levels.
Check Food Labels Carefully: A large portion of dietary sodium comes from processed foods. Reading labels for low-sodium content and being aware of different sodium terms is essential.
Prioritize Herbs and Spices: Flavoring food with herbs, spices, and natural acids like lemon or vinegar is a great way to reduce salt dependency.
Support Systemic Change: Beyond personal choices, public health initiatives are vital for encouraging the food industry to reformulate products with less sodium.

Understanding the WHO's Stance on Sodium

Globally, adults consistently consume more than the recommended daily salt intake, significantly contributing to health problems like high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney disease. The WHO aims to reduce this public health burden through global action, including guidance on using lower-sodium salt substitutes (LSSS).

The Dual Benefit of Lower-Sodium Salt Substitutes

The WHO conditionally recommends replacing standard table salt (100% sodium chloride) with LSSS containing potassium. This offers a dual benefit: lowering sodium intake and increasing potassium consumption, which can help counteract the negative blood pressure effects of sodium. This approach supports creating healthier food environments through policy and product reformulation.

Potential Health Implications and Safety Concerns

While beneficial for many, potassium-enriched salt substitutes require caution for certain individuals.

Special Considerations for Potassium Intake

Kidney Disease: Individuals with chronic kidney disease may struggle to excrete excess potassium, potentially leading to hyperkalemia.
Certain Medications: Some medications, including ACE inhibitors and potassium-sparing diuretics, can increase blood potassium levels, making the use of LSSS potentially risky without medical guidance.
Existing Heart Conditions: Those with specific heart conditions should also consult a doctor before using LSSS.

Comparing Salt Alternatives: What You Need to Know


Feature	Standard Table Salt	Pink Himalayan/Sea Salt	Potassium-Enriched Salt Substitutes	Flavor Enhancers (Herbs, Spices)
Sodium Content	High (~40%)	High (~40%), despite marketing claims	Significantly lower (e.g., 66% less)	Sodium-free
Potassium Content	Minimal	Minimal	High	Varies (e.g., potassium-rich fruits and vegetables)
Primary Use	All-purpose seasoning and cooking	Finishing salt, cooking	Substitute for table and cooking salt	Flavoring food without added sodium
Health Impact	Associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke risk	Similar health risks to table salt	Helps lower blood pressure for most individuals	Generally positive; promotes reduced sodium intake
Suitability	Most people	Most people	Adults without kidney or specific heart conditions	All individuals seeking to reduce sodium

How to Put WHO Recommendations into Practice

Implementing WHO guidelines involves several dietary adjustments:

Cook with Less Salt: Use herbs, spices, garlic, ginger, and citrus for flavor.
Read Food Labels: Look for low-sodium (<140mg/serving) or very low-sodium (<35mg/serving) products. 'Reduced-sodium' items may still be high in sodium.
Limit Processed Foods: Up to 80% of sodium comes from processed foods; reducing these is crucial.
Increase Potassium-Rich Foods: Incorporate fruits and vegetables high in potassium. The WHO suggests adults consume at least 3510 mg of potassium daily.
Support Systemic Change: Advocate for policies that encourage the food industry to lower sodium in products and improve labeling.

Conclusion: A Shift Towards Systemic Change

The WHO's guidelines on low sodium salt emphasize systemic change alongside individual action. Endorsing potassium-enriched salt substitutes offers a practical way to combat high blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular disease globally. While beneficial for most, individuals with specific health conditions must seek medical advice before using these substitutes. The guidelines urge governments, industries, and individuals to collaborate for healthier food environments and prevent deaths. Consult the full WHO guideline for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

The WHO recommends that if adults choose to use table salt, they should replace regular salt (100% sodium chloride) with lower-sodium salt substitutes that contain potassium.

Potassium-enriched salt is better because it reduces overall sodium intake while simultaneously increasing potassium intake. This combination is highly effective at lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events like stroke.

Individuals with certain medical conditions, including chronic kidney disease, heart conditions, or those taking specific medications (like ACE inhibitors), should be cautious. Increased potassium intake can be harmful for these groups, and they should consult a healthcare provider first.

No. Despite common misconceptions, sea salt and pink Himalayan salt have a sodium content nearly identical to regular table salt. They do not represent a healthier alternative for reducing sodium intake.

The WHO recommends that adults consume less than 5 grams of salt per day, which is equivalent to less than 2,000 mg of sodium.

You can reduce sodium by checking food labels for low-sodium or very low-sodium options, limiting highly processed items like ready meals and cured meats, and increasing your consumption of fresh, minimally processed foods.

Yes, for children aged 2–15, the WHO recommends adjusting the adult sodium recommendation downward based on their lower energy requirements. The recommendation does not apply to infants.