Health · Medical Research · 5 hrs ago
Potassium-enriched salt could prevent nearly 3 million deaths a year
Researchers at the George Institute for Global Health modelled a switch to potassium-enriched salt across 193 countries.
The substitute replaces some sodium with potassium and is similar to ordinary salt in taste and use.
Too much sodium can raise blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes and kidney damage.
The study estimates that a global switch could prevent nearly three million deaths and more than 10 million new cases of cardiovascular and kidney disease each year.
In the UK, the projected gains are 12,951 fewer deaths and almost 60,000 fewer cases annually if all salt were replaced.
The World Health Organization recommended potassium-enriched salt in 2025 to help lower blood pressure and cardiovascular risk.
People with advanced kidney disease or certain medicines may need to avoid it or take precautions, because excess potassium can build up in the blood.
A study estimates that replacing ordinary salt with potassium-enriched salt could prevent 2.96 million deaths worldwide each year.
The model also estimates the switch could prevent 10.17 million new cases of cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease annually.
In the UK, the researchers estimate it could prevent 12,951 deaths and nearly 60,000 disease cases each year.
Potassium-enriched salt replaces some sodium chloride with potassium chloride and is similar to ordinary salt in taste and use.
The articles say it may not be suitable for people with serious kidney disease or those taking medicines that raise potassium levels.
- Who
- Researchers at the George Institute for Global Health conducted the study.
- What
- They estimated the effects of replacing ordinary salt with potassium-enriched salt.
- When
- The study was reported on 4 and 5 November 2026.
- Where
- The estimates cover 193 countries worldwide, including the UK.
- Why
- Replacing some sodium with potassium could address high sodium intake and low potassium intake, which are linked to high blood pressure.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The World Health Organization recommended potassium-enriched salt to reduce blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk.
The Daily Mail reported estimates from a study modelling a switch to potassium-enriched salt in 193 countries.
ANSA reported the study's global estimates and noted the need for country-specific strategies.
- Global deaths prevented
- 2.96 million per year
- Global new disease cases prevented
- 10.17 million per year
- Countries modelled
- 193
- UK deaths prevented
- 12,951 per year
- UK disease cases prevented
- Nearly 60,000 per year
2 sources
What people are saying
While a global shift from regular salt to a potassium-enriched substitute is asprational, this is a starting point to get countries thinking about the opportunity - with much greater potential and at much lower cost than many drug-based treatments