"We're not saying we shouldn't be lowering excessive salt intake," said Dr. Brian Strom of the University of Pennsylvania, who led the IOM committee. But below 2,300 mg a day, "there is simply a lack of data that shows it is beneficial."
Lots of orgs recommend 1500/day for unhealthy/old/etc people. Apparently there is no actual science for that.
It's very hard to cut back to 1,500 mg unless you always cook from scratch, or eat too little food in general because of illness, Liebman added. The average sandwich in a restaurant has 1,000 mg or more, and some restaurant meals can provide a full day's supply of sodium in one entree.
Diogenes of Sinope: "It is not that I am mad, it is only that my head is different from yours."
Arnold Judas Rimmer, BSC, SSC: "Better dead than smeg."
The food industry offered tempered reaction. The Grocery Manufacturer’s Association said in a statement, “we believe additional work is needed to determine the acceptable range of sodium intake for optimal health,” including research that indicates health risks for people who consume too much sodium as well as health risks from consuming too little sodium.” But the group said it would work with the F.D.A. on sodium reduction targets.
Fuck you, GMA. Basic biology says you need a minimum amount of salt. Your tongue and brain are hardwired to want it. But it's in every-goddamn-thing.
Diogenes of Sinope: "It is not that I am mad, it is only that my head is different from yours."
Arnold Judas Rimmer, BSC, SSC: "Better dead than smeg."