Food

Sodium and potassium (dietary salt)

Dietary factor.

In practice

It depends on the case; there is no single guideline.

Effect by goal · level of evidence

Mortality and cardiovascular events

association Moderate study (A)

PURE study (101,945 people, 17 countries): risk followed a U-shape with respect to sodium (both very little and a lot were associated with more risk), and more potassium was associated with less risk. Suggests not overdoing salt but also not restricting it excessively, and eating more potassium (fruit, vegetables). Observational and debated.

View the study (study) →

In depth

Diet · Highest evidence: Moderate · 1 finding

Findings

Mortality and cardiovascular events — association (Moderate, study). PURE study (101,945 people, 17 countries): risk followed a U-shape with respect to sodium (both very little and a lot were associated with higher risk), and more potassium was associated with lower risk. It suggests not overdoing salt but also not restricting it excessively, and eating more potassium (fruit, vegetables). Observational and debated. 25119607

Information, not medical advice. Prescription drugs require a doctor.

Information, not medical advice. Scientific evidence reflects the quality of the studies.