Salt intake in China is among the highest globally

People in China are consuming more than twice the daily recommended amount of salt, according to a new review of studies. The WHO recommends consumption be limited to less than 5 grams a day, which is about a teaspoon's worth, but looking at data from 70 studies, researchers found that adults older than 16 years of age are consuming about 11 grams of salt a day. Children between the ages of 3 and 6 are consuming the daily maximum, while those ages 6-16 are consuming nearly 9 grams of salt daily. China’s sodium intake is also high when compared to elsewhere in the world: The U.S. and Australia average about 9 grams daily among adults, for example. Although the intake levels in China represent a dip since the 2000s, an increase in eating processed foods could offset these gains, the authors write.