There is a well-established causal relationship between salt intake and increasing blood pressure. Public health messaging is therefore focused on reducing salt intake to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, over recent years several cohort studies have claimed that both high and low salt intake are associated with cardiovascular disease risk (i.e. a “J-shaped” relationship). In two complementary editorials, prominent salt reduction researchers and epidemiologists address this concern. Firstly, He et al set-out reasons for the controversy, explaining some of the methodological issues in studies that have claimed a J-shaped relationship. Secondly, Campbell et al set-out potential solutions to this controversy.
Read more by He et al here, and by Campbell et al here.