Panel asks gov’t to encourage lower sodium intake

Panel to gov’t: Americans should eat less salt

WASHINGTON — An advisory panel is encouraging the government to recommend that Americans reduce their salt intake.

The panel, appointed by the Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services, has made preliminary recommendations that suggest the amount of sodium consumed daily should be reduced from 2,300 mg to 1,500 mg. Current guidelines recommend the higher amount.

That recommendation is in line with the prestigious Institute of Medicine, which said earlier this year that people need just 1,500 mg daily for good health, less if they’re over 50. Average consumption is more than 3,400 mg.

The panel says it will be “challenging to achieve the lower level” and that the reduction in sodium should take place gradually over time.