Potassium-Enriched Salt: How a Swap Could Prevent Millions
Replacing regular salt with a potassium-enriched version could prevent almost three million deaths and 10 million new cases of cardiovascular and kidney disease worldwide each year, researchers estimate. The benefits could be greatest if the swap reaches household kitchens as well as processed and restaurant foods, though people with serious kidney disease may face risks.
Researchers from The George Institute for Global Health estimate that replacing regular salt with potassium-enriched salt could prevent almost three million deaths each year worldwide, according to findings covering 193 countries. The change could also avert 10 million new cases of cardiovascular and kidney disease, making salt use a potential target for global health policy.
The type salt prevent millions of deaths by replacing some sodium chloride with potassium chloride. The alternative looks, tastes and cooks like ordinary salt.
Even a partial switch could bring health benefits, the researchers found. The greatest gains came in scenarios where potassium-enriched salt replaced regular salt both in homes and in processed and restaurant foods.
Bruce Neal, a senior professorial fellow at The George Institute, said the approach could prevent as many as one in 10 cardiovascular deaths in most countries.
“Consuming too much sodium and not enough potassium are well established causes of high blood pressure - a major risk factor for life threatening conditions like strokes, heart attacks and kidney disease,” Neal said in a statement released with the study. “Switching to potassium-enriched salt addresses both these dietary issues at the same time, with substantial health benefits.”
Potassium-enriched salt works by reducing sodium while increasing potassium intake. Dr. May Bakir, a cardiologist who was not involved in the research, said less sodium means the body retains less fluid, while potassium helps the kidneys remove sodium and relaxes signals that raise blood pressure.
About one in three adults aged 30 to 79 worldwide — approximately 1.4 billion people — have high blood pressure. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death and disability globally.
The World Health Organization endorsed potassium-enriched salt in 2025 as a way to reduce blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk. The new analysis examined broad replacement scenarios as well as targeted approaches for people diagnosed with or treated for high blood pressure.
The substitute may pose risks for people with advanced kidney disease, who can have difficulty managing potassium levels. Vivek Jha, a nephrologist and senior professorial fellow at The George Institute in India, said precautions should apply to some groups.
“People with serious kidney disease and those taking medications that significantly raise blood potassium levels need to take precautions,” Jha said. “Risks for this group can be managed effectively through patient education, product labelling, and clinical oversight.”
Bakir advised people with moderate-to-advanced chronic kidney disease and those on dialysis to consult a doctor before switching. She also cautioned people taking potassium supplements or medicines that can increase potassium levels.
