[Salt and hypertension--100 years of unresolved issues].
BACKGROUND
In recent years, criticism against the so-called "salt hypothesis" has gained momentum. We give a brief review of important data related to this issue, in particular of the evidence-based documentation supporting a general recommendation of reduced salt intake.


METHODS
We searched in PubMed, Ovid and HighWire for papers relating to salt intake, blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.


RESULTS
Most studies in favour of the salt hypothesis rely on short-term (about 30 days) intervention trials. The possible benefit of salt restriction on hypertension and hypertension-related morbidity and mortality is not firmly established.


CONCLUSIONS
A general recommendation of a reduction in salt intake among Norwegians to 5 g/day or less is not scientifically justified. More studies on salt intake in the general Norwegian population as well as intervention trials spanning years are warranted.
Nicolaysen
Gunnar
G
Institutt for medisinske basalfag, Avdeling for fysiologi, Universitetet i Oslo, Postboks 1046 Blindern, 0316 Oslo.
Iversen
Per Ole
PO
D000818:Animals; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000266:history / Q000517:prevention & control; D004039:Diet, Sodium-Restricted; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000266:history; D017673:Sodium Chloride, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000266:history
D017673:Sodium Chloride, Dietary