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Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton
Jamaicans are consuming almost two times more than the recommended daily intake of salt.
The ministry on Tuesday released the findings of phase one of a $13-million salt study, which found that "67 per cent or two out of every three Jamaicans consume an average 3.6 grams daily", despite the recommended sodium intake being two grams daily.
The study revealed that 73 per cent of males have higher than recommended levels of sodium intake, with prevalence highest among men aged 45-54 years.
Sixty-one per cent of females consume more than the recommended levels of salt, with prevalence highest among women 35-44 years old.
This, the Ministry of Health says, is contributing to an increased incidence of high blood pressure among the population, putting them at greater risk for stroke and heart disease.
Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton, who was speaking Tuesday on Radio Jamaica's Beyond the Headlines, said it is hoped that the study will help to increase public awareness and influence policy decisions.
The salt study is being led by Professor Trevor Ferguson, Director, Epidemiology Research Unit at the Caribbean Institute for Health Research.
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