Developing the evidence for a national salt reduction program in India

Abstract

The scientific evidence base in support of salt reduction is strong but the data required to translate these insights into reduced population salt intake are mostly absent. The aim of this research project is to develop the evidence base required to formulate and implement a national salt reduction program for India. The research will comprise three components: a stakeholder analysis involving government, industry, consumers and civil society organizations; a population survey using an age-and-sex stratified random sample drawn from urban (slum and non-slum) and rural areas of North and South India; and a systematic quantitative evaluation of the nutritional components of processed and restaurant foods. The stakeholder interviews will be analysed using qualitative methods to summarize the main themes and define the broad range of factors influencing the food environment in India. The population survey will estimate mean daily salt consumption through the collection of 24-hour urine samples with concurrent dietary surveys identifying the main sources of dietary sodium/salt. The survey of foods will record the nutritional composition of the chief elements of the food supply. The findings from this research will be synthesized and proposals for a national salt reduction strategy for India will be developed in collaboration with key stakeholders.