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SHF, SNDA and NKF Pioneers the Journey Towards Sodium Reduction for a Healthier Singapore “Release of Joint Position Statement on Sodium Reduction”
Singapore, 21 October 2023 – The Singapore Heart Foundation (SHF), Singapore Nutrition & Dietetics Association (SNDA) and The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) came together to organise the momentous Symposium on Sodium Reduction in Singapore and the Role of Salt Substitutes, and release a joint position statement on sodium reduction. The event, held at the Lifelong Learning Institute today, gathered over 100 healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses and dietitians, in a crucial step towards raising awareness of sodium reduction and reducing the prevalence of heart and kidney related illnesses in Singapore. At the event, SHF, SNDA and NKF also issued a joint statement on the efficacy and safety of lower-sodium salt substitutes, which are a key strategy to help Singaporeans reduce their sodium intake.
Prevalence of High Sodium Intake and Hypertension in Singapore
Salt, made up of 40 per cent sodium and 60 per cent chloride, intake remains a pressing concern in Singapore. 9 in 10 locals consume almost twice the 5g/day limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO)1. Statistics from the recent National Nutrition Survey 2022 showed that the daily sodium intake of the population has increased since 2019, reaching 3,620mg in 2022.1 Accompanying this rise in salt consumption is a drastic increase in the prevalence of hypertension, with more than one-third of Singaporeans suffering from hypertension as of 2022.2
To tackle this concern, the symposium gathered experts, medical practitioners, and key stakeholders to explore the significance of decreasing sodium intake and using lower-sodium salt substitutes to foster healthier living habits.
Encouraging Lower-Sodium Salt Substitutes to Reduce Sodium Intake
As part of the symposium, SHF, SNDA and NKF issued a joint statement that shared the urgent need to reduce sodium intake for disease prevention in support for the Health Promotion Board’s sodium reduction strategy. It highlights lower-sodium salt substitutes as a key strategy to help Singaporeans reduce their sodium intake, and expounds on their safety and efficacy.
In the joint statement, SHF, SNDA and NKF also encouraged Singaporeans and the food industry to substitute regular table salt with lower-sodium salt substitutes, which use a variety of minerals and ingredients to lower the sodium content of the product while preserving taste. These substitutes can be used as 1-for-1 replacements for regular salt, and include potassium-enriched salt and other salt blends with monosodium-glutamate (MSG) or yeast extract.
Please refer to Annex A for more information on the joint statement.
Championing Sodium-Reduction and Managing Hypertension
SHF has prioritised controlling sodium intake, selecting it as the central theme for this year’s National Heart Week/World Heart Day event on 30 September 2023. Moreover, SHF collaborated with Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) to conduct a Salt Taste Threshold Survey that yielded valuable research findings on the connection between salt taste threshold and hypertension.
To combat the concerning findings from the Salt Taste Threshold Survey and bolster the sodium reduction strategies highlighted in the joint statement, SHF will host an array of initiatives to manage sodium intake and hypertension. These include insightful Sodium Reduction Cooking Competition, Cooking Demonstration by well-known chef, and informative health talks in the lead up to and during the May Blood Pressure Measurement Month.
“The Health Promotion Board welcomes the support of SHF, SNDA and NKF, in HPB’s sodium reduction strategy, of which a key prong is to encourage consumers and food operators to replace regular salt with lower-sodium salt alternatives,” said Mr Terence Ng, Director of Policy & Strategy Development of Health Promotion Board. “This joint position statement by the three organisations reaffirms the safety and efficacy of salt substitution, as an important strategy to help Singaporeans reduce their sodium intake for better health.”
“At SHF, our longstanding commitment to heart health drives us to always support the pursuit of healthier lifestyles,” said Prof Tan Huay Cheem, Chairman of SHF. “We are thrilled to be a part of this sodium reduction initiative that strives for a heart-healthier Singapore, which is a vital step to ensure the well-being of every individual and reduce cardiovascular disease.”
“High blood pressure is a significant driver of kidney disease, frequently resulting in faster disease progression. Reducing dietary sodium intake as part of a healthier lifestyle strategy is important to improving one’s health. It can help improve blood pressure control and protect the kidneys and cardiovascular system. This lifestyle modification underpins the importance of self-care practice. Given Singapore’s ageing population, the overarching goal should be to live longer, better and in good health” said A/Prof Jason Choo, Medical Director of The National Kidney Foundation.
“Singapore Nutrition and Dietetics Association (SNDA), is steadfast in our commitment to offering informed advocacy on nutrition and dietetics related matters to the public. Sodium reduction is not just a goal but a journey, and we are dedicated to making this journey simpler and sustainable for all.
Together, let us advocate for lower sodium intake and empower individuals to savour the taste of better health!” said Dr Kalpana Bhaskaran, President of the SNDA.
- https://www.hpb.gov.sg/docs/default-source/pdf/nns-2022-report.pdf
- https://www.hpb.gov.sg/docs/default-source/pdf/nns-2022-report.pdf
