title: Salt: important element, invisible menace.
abstract: Public health authorities have mounted campaigns aimed at educating Americans about the obesity epidemic and urging them to consume less sugar. Another food additive-salt-is also a culprit, and many experts believe it should be the target of our next major public health campaign. In addition to obesity, salt is associated with increased rates of cardiovascular disease (especially hypertension), gastric cancer, and osteoporosis. Most Americans consume much more salt than they need or is healthy, with up to 75% of it coming from prepared foods. To be successful, these campaigns must educate young consumers. These campaigns must also incorporate food manufacturers and change our dining environments so that low-sodium foods are accessible and affordable.
authors.affiliation: University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, Storrs, Connecticut Arlington, Virginia.
authors.forename: Jeannette Y
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Wick
mesh_terms: D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000139:chemically induced; D017673:Sodium Chloride, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced
chemical_list: D017673:Sodium Chloride, Dietary