The reduction of salt in many canned processed foods has improved the health of older adults in South Africa. A study published in JAMA Cardiology in February 2025 has confirmed that mandatory legislation on sodium reduction in processed foods, implemented in South Africa since 2013, has successfully decreased blood pressure significantly in the population.
South Africa was a pioneer in Africa in regulating sodium content in 13 food categories, such as bread, cereals, processed meats, and soups. The regulations required reductions between 20% and 70% by 2016, with additional adjustments for 2019.
The research, led by the universities of Wits and Harvard, analyzed over 5,000 older adults in rural areas. In seven years, participants reduced their sodium intake by 10%, and the number of people achieving ideal consumption increased from 7% to 17%. Each gram less of sodium was associated with a decrease in blood pressure.
The authors emphasize that mandatory regulation is more effective than voluntary initiatives, such as those applied in Australia, which, although achieving reductions in sodium and sugar, did not maintain the same sustained impact.
According to the researchers, maintaining this reduction in sodium consumption can contribute to preventing cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and other health problems associated with hypertension.
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