Replacing traditional household salt with potassium-enriched salt could prevent around 1.85 million deaths a year worldwide, according to researchers publishing in Nature Health.
The difference lies in composition. Potassium-enriched salt replaces part of the sodium chloride with potassium chloride. This lowers sodium intake while increasing potassium, both linked to blood pressure control and to the prevention of heart and kidney disease.
The study modelled 193 countries and territories. Switching only the salt added at home accounts for about 63% of the total benefit. Including processed foods and restaurant meals would raise the estimate to nearly three million deaths avoided each year.
The authors caution that the alternative is not suitable for everyone. People with advanced kidney disease, or those taking medication that raises blood potassium, should consult a doctor or pharmacist first.
