Researchers in Mexico studied what would happen if food companies reduced the amount of salt in processed foods. Using data from over 9,000 people’s eating habits, they found that if companies followed new salt-reduction guidelines, Mexicans would eat 25% less salt overall. This small change could prevent thousands of deaths each year from heart disease, kidney disease, and stomach cancer. The study suggests that simple changes to how much salt manufacturers add to foods could have a big impact on public health without requiring people to change their own eating habits.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: What would happen to people’s health in Mexico if food companies reduced salt in processed foods by following new guidelines?
  • Who participated: The study used eating information from over 9,000 Mexican adults collected in 2016. Researchers looked at what people actually ate to understand current salt intake patterns.
  • Key finding: If food companies reduced salt in 75 different food products, Mexicans would eat 25% less salt overall. This could prevent about 12,900 deaths per year and 43,900 new cases of heart disease, kidney disease, and stomach cancer.
  • What it means for you: You don’t have to change what you eat—food companies making products with less salt could protect your heart and kidneys. This is especially important if you have high blood pressure. However, this is a prediction based on computer models, not something that has been tested in real life yet.

The Research Details

Researchers used a computer simulation to predict what would happen if Mexico followed new salt-reduction guidelines. They started with real eating data from 2016 that showed how much salt Mexicans actually consumed. Then they created a scenario where 75 different processed food products (like bread, cheese, canned vegetables, and sauces) had less salt added to them, following guidelines from the Pan American Health Organization. Using mathematical formulas, they calculated how much blood pressure would drop and how many deaths and diseases could be prevented based on what we know about salt’s effects on health.

This type of study is important because it shows the potential benefit of changing food manufacturing before companies spend money making those changes. It helps government leaders decide if the effort is worth it. Rather than waiting years to see if the change actually works, researchers can predict the outcome using scientific evidence about how salt affects our bodies.

This study used real data from a large national survey, which is a strength. However, the predictions are based on computer models, not actual people following the new guidelines. Real-world results might be different because people’s eating habits could change, or food companies might not fully adopt the guidelines. The study assumes the mathematical relationships between salt and disease are accurate, which is based on previous research but may not apply perfectly to Mexico’s population.

What the Results Show

If Mexico implemented the new salt-reduction guidelines across processed foods, the average person would reduce their salt intake by 25%. This might seem small, but it would lower average blood pressure by 1.2 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) across the entire population. For people who already have high blood pressure, the reduction would be larger—about 2.1 mm Hg. These small changes in blood pressure translate to significant health benefits because high blood pressure affects millions of people and causes many deaths. The researchers estimated that this intervention could prevent approximately 12,866 deaths per year from cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and stomach cancer. Additionally, it could prevent about 43,940 new cases of these diseases annually.

The study found that the benefits would be distributed across different age groups and would be particularly helpful for people who already have high blood pressure. The intervention targets multiple diseases at once—not just heart disease, but also kidney disease and stomach cancer—because all of these conditions are linked to high salt intake. The study suggests that the impact would be consistent across different food categories, meaning that reducing salt across many different products is more effective than focusing on just one or two foods.

Previous research has shown that reducing salt intake lowers blood pressure and prevents heart disease. This study builds on that knowledge by applying it specifically to Mexico’s food supply and population. Other countries have tried similar salt-reduction programs with food manufacturers, and this research suggests Mexico could see comparable benefits. The 25% reduction in salt intake is realistic based on what other countries have achieved when they implemented similar guidelines.

This study predicts what could happen, but it hasn’t been tested in real life yet. The actual results might be different because: (1) food companies might not fully adopt the new guidelines, (2) people might change their eating habits in unexpected ways, (3) the mathematical models used might not perfectly match what happens in real people, and (4) the study assumes people will eat the same amounts of food—if they eat more or less, the benefits would change. Additionally, the study doesn’t account for other factors that affect health, like exercise or stress. The research is based on 2016 data, so eating patterns may have changed since then.

The Bottom Line

If you live in Mexico or a country with similar food systems, support policies that encourage food companies to reduce salt in processed foods. This is a low-risk change that could benefit your health. If you have high blood pressure, this type of intervention could be particularly helpful for you. However, you shouldn’t rely solely on this change—continue to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and follow your doctor’s advice. (Confidence level: Moderate—based on strong evidence about salt and health, but predictions about real-world impact are less certain.)

Everyone should care about this research, especially people with high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease. People who eat a lot of processed foods would benefit the most because that’s where most dietary salt comes from. Parents should care because children who eat salty foods early in life are more likely to have high blood pressure as adults. People in Mexico specifically should care because this research directly applies to their food system. People in other countries might also benefit from similar programs.

If food companies started reducing salt today, you might notice small changes in blood pressure within weeks to months. However, the major health benefits—preventing heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease—would take years to become obvious because these diseases develop slowly. You probably wouldn’t see dramatic changes in how you feel, but your risk of serious disease would decrease over time.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your daily sodium intake by logging the processed foods you eat. Most food labels show sodium content. Aim to stay under 2,300 mg per day (or 1,500 mg if you have high blood pressure). Use the app to see how much salt you’re consuming from different food categories.
  • Start reading nutrition labels on processed foods and choose products with lower sodium content. When you see two similar products, pick the one with less salt. Gradually reduce the amount of processed foods you eat and replace them with fresh foods like fruits, vegetables, and unprocessed meats.
  • Check your blood pressure regularly (weekly or monthly, depending on your health status) and track it in the app. Over several months, you should see a downward trend if you’re successfully reducing salt intake. Also monitor how you feel—less bloating and better energy levels are common benefits of eating less salt.

This research presents predictions based on computer models, not results from actual people following the guidelines. The findings suggest potential benefits but have not been proven in real-world settings. If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, or any other health condition, consult with your doctor before making significant dietary changes. This article is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Always talk to a healthcare provider before starting any new health intervention.