MOLDOVANS CONSUME SALT TWICE MORE THE NORM

Moldova citizens abuse salt, which leads to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity.

According to the study launched by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection, an adult in Moldova daily consumes 10.8 grams of salt, while the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends only 5 grams/day; especially men - 11.5 grams, while women consume - 10.3 grams.

Not least because of the large consumption of bakery products in Moldova. On average, every citizen of the republic eats 333 grams of bread per day, which contains 5.5 grams of salt. Moldovans also like sausages and cheese, adding thus 1.88 grams of salt to each 100 grams of consumed products.

Therefore, it is not surprising that six out of ten deaths recorded in Moldova are the result of cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension caused by salt abuse.

According to the WHO, salt intake reduction minimizes the risk of hypertension and avoids thousands of deaths from stroke, heart and kidney disease. Non-communicable diseases are the main cause of disability and premature mortality in Moldova, where diseases of the cardiovascular system and kidneys are characteristic of almost 40% of the adult population of the country, as high blood pressure is one of the main risk factors for these diseases.

"It is easier to prevent a disease than to treat it. This study will help us adopt disease prevention strategies. It is a pity that almost every second death in our country is caused by an ordinary product which is almost in every kitchen. We will use the data of this study during health policy development", said Minister of Health, Labor and Social Protection, Silvia Radu.

According to her, by 2020, the consumption of salt in Moldova should be reduced to less than 8 grams a day per person.

The study on dietary salt consumption in Moldova was conducted by the National Public Health Center with the support of the WHO and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation on the basis of samples of 1307 respondents.