•How excess intake is slowly, silently killing Nigerians
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Salt has been identified as another silent killer of Nigerians. In fact, there are predictions that Nigeria might experience higher cases of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in a few years’ time because of growing ignorance and unhealthy lifestyle practices of the citizens to NCDs contributing factors, particularly salt.
Healthcare professionals recently expressed concerns about the growing interest of Nigerians particularly the younger ones on foods that are rich in salt, sugar and other unhealthy substances without caution, and little or no checks from individuals and institutions responsible for regulating the contents and ingredients of some of unprocessed foods.
knowingly or otherwise, prolonged exposure and intake of these foods and substances increased the vulnerability chances of consumers to many deadly NCDs, many of which are currently being witnessed in the country at higher number among people of young age.
Nigerians, on daily basis, come in contact with salt which is composed of 40 per cent sodium and 60 per cent chloride, in food, drinks, snacks, vegetables, and many others, thereby, consuming above the quantity required by the body.
In addition to that, several unprocessed foods such as milk, fish, poultry, eggs, among others contain natural sodium (salt) in small amounts which, collectively, alter the recommended quantity of daily intake of salt.
World Health Organization (WHO) recommended two grams or less as the maximum daily salt intake in an adult. Practically, the quantity represents one level teaspoon of table salt. Sadly, records indicated that Nigerians consume an average of three to 10 grams of salt daily, which is far more than the WHO recommendations.
However, aside from the health challenge associated with excess intake, salt helps to regulate and maintain fluid balance, regulate and maintain acid-base balance, and maintain normal nerve and muscle function.
NCDs linked to excess salt intake
A few weeks ago, the Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI) intensified the expository campaign against excessive intake of salt, highlighting the dangers associated with such unhealthy lifestyle practices.
CCSI officials, alongside partners from GHAI, CAPPA, University of Abuja, and others lamented the danger that looms ahead due to either ignorance or otherwise, regarding the excessive exposure to sodium by Nigerians.
They said that public health crisis is obviously looming because of the government and relevant individuals particularly the media are not doing enough to enlighten the people on the level of damage being done to their health due to excess salt intake.
At a workshop in Abuja for stakeholders, notably, researchers, government officials, partners and the media, that are involved in the national campaign for the reduction of salt consumption in Nigeria, CCSI painted the gory situation of salt intake in Nigeria, and challenged the stakeholders to rise to the occasion of changing the narrative.
CCSI strongly noted that excess salt consumption is greatly fueling NCDs in Nigeria, thus challenging the media and relevant stakeholders to raise the alarm, and possibly sustain the momentum to ensure improved education and knowledge of the issue.
“At CCSI, we provide overarching communication expertise for research and communication strategy that are designed to support effective implementation, monitoring, and documentation.”
At the workshop, Bukola Olukemi-Odele, a food and nutrition scientist with the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), made a presentation that highlighted several health risks associated with excessive intake of salt, and advocated drastic reduction in salt consumption through an individual and collective effort to avoid long term battle with NCDs.
She made reference to data that indicated that NCDs are estimated to be responsible for 29 per cent of annual deaths in Nigeria, stating that cardiovascular accounts for 11 per cent, cancer 4 per cent, chronic respiratory disease 2 per cent, diabetes 1 per cent, other NCDs 12 per cent. High salt intake predisposes someone to the diseases.
Salvaging the situation
Findings revealed that most salt in foods are hidden in condiments such as seasoning cubes; preservatives, baking soda, and other food additives; processed foods such ketchup, salad dressing, frozen foods, processed meats; street foods such suya, kilishi; as well as snacks, fast foods and others.
However, salt reduction campaigns are crucial in improving cardiovascular health, lowering blood pressure, and reducing chances of NCDs deaths. The campaign is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions.
This can be achieved through increased taxes on high salt-containing foods, stiff regulations of companies that are manufacturing high salt-containing products, as well as regular monitoring. Simple and easily readable front of pack labels containing ingredients and quantities are very important and are also very important.
Healthcare professionals said the long-term benefits of the reduction campaign include reduced healthcare expenditure that could result in reduced NCDs, increased life expectancy, and improved productivity.
An official of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Femi Stephen, confirmed that a National Guideline on Sodium Reduction document was recently developed to achieve the desired objective of achieving and maintaining a low salt intake level, thus
protecting the health of the population.
He thus solicited the support of Nigerians, particularly the manufacturers and other food vendors, to the government’s target of reducing salt intake by 30 per cent by 2030. “Let your health guide your taste” slogan should be on our mouths and actions on a daily basis.”
Meanwhile, in line with the set 2030 target, Stephen confirmed that directives have been given to the manufacturers to commence work on reformulation of their products, especially those with high salt content targeting salt reduction in the food.
He said the National Guideline Document also recommended a ban/restrictions of advertising on high salt-containing foods, as well as other fiscal policies on foods that are high in salt particularly high tax which could be used to attend to NCDs cases.
It also provided a clear way of presenting a front-of-pack table that contained the quantity of each ingredient used in formulating the products and must be easily read and understood by consumers.
Also, Olukemi-Odele said that 1.6 million lives could be saved each year by reducing excess salt intake by 30 per cent. “But to achieve that, there should be deliberate effort by the government and individuals to achieve the goal. There must be an effort to replace bullion with natural seasoning in order to significantly cut down on daily salt intake.”
Imminent health crisis
Similarly, food and science technology Consultant, John Tehinse, made a presentation that further highlighted the imminent health crisis due to excessive salt intake by Nigerians.
Tehinse, who is with the Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED), said that scientific evidence has linked kidney disease, stomach cancer, and osteoporosis to excess salt intake. “Unfortunately, many are coming down with the diseases faster than expected.”
He made reference to the National Sodium Reduction Guideline which targets 15 per cent reduction of salt in all unprocessed foods within the next two years (2026 to 2028), and another 15 per cent reduction between 2029 to 2030.
Recent research outcome indicated that salt, which is also known as sodium chloride, and an essential nutrient for the body is fast becoming the silent killer and destroyer of Nigerian consumers. The research further confirmed that salt has also become a silent contributor to the rising cases of NCDs in Nigeria.
He said: “We must vigorously implement the national guideline which sets sodium benchmarks for priority food categories such as bread, bouillon cubes, snacks, instant noodles, etc We should also support manufacturers in reformulating products to reduce excess salt content,
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