Effect of South Africa’s interim mandatory salt reduction programme on urinary sodium excretion and blood pressure

• DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2021.101469
• Publication Date: 2021-06-29T09:08:57Z
• Authors: Karen E. Charlton; Barbara Corso; Lisa Ware; Aletta E. Schutte; Leanda Wepener; Nadia Minicuci; Nirmala Naidoo; Paul Kowal
• Keywords: Urine collection device; Urine sodium

South Africa implemented legislation in June 2016 mandating maximum sodium (Na) levels processed foods. A pre-post impact evaluation assessed whether the interim legislative approach reduced salt intake and blood pressure. Baseline Na was a nested cohort of WHO Study on global AGEing adult health (WHO-SAGE) Wave 2 (Aug-Dec 2015). 24-hour urine samples were collected random subsample (n = 1,299; which n 750 considered valid (volume ≥ 300 mL creatinine 4 mmol/day (women) or 6 (men))). Follow-up 3 (Jun 2018-Jun 2019), with replacements included for those lost to follow-up 1,189; 548 valid). In aged 18 − 49y, median 7.8 (4.7, 12.0) g/day W2 274), remaining similar W3 sample (7.7 (4.9, 11.3) g salt/day 92); P 0.569). older adults (50 + y), 5.8 (4.0, 8.5) 467) W2, 6.0 8.6) 455) (P 0.721). Controlling differences background characteristics, overall dropped by 1.15 0.028). 24hr urinary concentrations from countrywide African suggest that intakes have during phase mandatory legislation. Further measurement population level following stricter targets, enforced 2019, is necessary.