In its report, Reference Intakes for Water, Sodium Chloride, Potassium and Sulfates, the Institute of Medicine/NAS recommends that consumers reduce their sodium intake by more than 50 percent from their current consumption levels. Rather than basing the recommendations on the needs of the majority of Americans, the report bases its recommendations on research showing the benefits of low-sodium diets for the 25 percent of the U.S. population that are sodium sensitive.

"When establishing nutrition recommendations for the entire American population, the NAS and other government agencies should set achievable goals," said GMA Director of Nutrition and Scientific Policy Alison Kretser, MS, RD. "The NAS’s recommendation to reduce sodium intake from 2400mg to as few as 1500mg is not only extreme – most Americans consume roughly 3300mg per day – but also unnecessary for the majority of Americans."

Rather than set a dietary goal that is unachievable based on current dietary patterns, GMA stressed the need to establish realistic goals and to provide dietary guidance relevant to the daily lives of consumers.

"For most consumers, a low-sodium diet is unrealistic," Kretser continued. "Americans can also reduce their risk for high blood pressure by eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and by choosing low-fat dairy products – nutritional goals that have health benefits that go far beyond reducing the risk of high blood pressure."

Kretser concluded, "GMA’s member companies are committed to improving all of our products in order to help American consumers meet their dietary goals sensibly and responsibly. We are also committed to finding new flavorings that are suitable substitutes for the critical flavor and texture provided by salt."

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