Consumers Not Sold On Reducing Sodium In Diets

If you don't know how much sodium you consume on a daily basis and aren't particularly worried about it, you're in good company.

According to the 2011 International Food Information Council Sodium Survey, 59 percent of Americans say they’re not concerned about their sodium intake, consistent with findings in 2009.

Seventy percent of Americans say they don’t know how much sodium they should get in a day. The numbers are similar for people with high blood pressure, with 56 percent not knowing how much or overestimating how much sodium they should consume in a day.

Still not aware of guidelines

“With all the attention sodium has received in the last few years, including in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, it’s surprising that Americans are still not well aware of sodium guidelines,” said Marianne Smith Edge, International Food Information Council Senior Vice President of Nutrition and Food Safety.

For the record, the Food and Drug Administration recommends that you not exceed 2400 mg of sodium each day. Some health experts have proposed lower recommended levels of sodium, in the 1500-2000 mg range.

Getting through to consumers

While a strong majority of Americans feel that certain people should be concerned with their sodium intake — primarily those with high blood pressure and those with weight issues — getting through to consumers may be difficult. On an unaided basis, consumers express very little interest in learning anything about sodium.

When prompted, however, 50 to 63 percent of consumers said they are interested in topics regarding recommended intakes, food sources, and health impacts. If they hear anything about sodium, they want the information to come primarily from the medical community, followed by the food label, the government, and food manufacturers.

Consumers may be reluctant to cut back on sodium because of taste. The survey shows four in 10 believe taste will suffer if they reduce sodium content in their food.

Increasing fruits and vegetables – at 70 percent - is far and away the consumers’ top choice when rating the three most important elements of a healthful diet, which is consistent with health professional recommendations. Only 38 percent rated limiting sodium as one of the most important factors.