Canadians consume more than double the recommended amount of sodium daily, study says

In advance of February's Heart Month, a new survey finds that 70 per cent of Canadians are concerned about the level of sodium in their diet. There is also vast confusion around sodium: over one-third of Canadians claim to know the upper sodium limit yet nearly nine out of 10 people get it wrong; and more than half of the population does not understand sodium information on nutrition labels. Canadians consume on average 3,092 milligrams of sodium daily, more than double the recommended amount of 1200 to 1500 milligrams.

The research also finds Canadians want lower sodium products: 45 per cent of Canadians look at the amount of sodium in a new product before deciding to buy; and almost 50 per cent of Canadians would sacrifice slightly on taste for products lower in sodium. 

"Heart disease is the number one killer of both woman and men in Canada, so it's critical Canadians take the time to learn how to manage their sodium intake," says Registered Dietitian Leslie Beck and author of The Complete A to Z Nutrition Encyclopedia (Penguin Group Canada 2010). "Canadians should learn to read nutrition labels, and seek out low sodium products on grocery store shelves to help manage the amount of sodium in their diet."

In addition to tapping into what Canadians know and don't know about sodium, the survey also looked into the debate surrounding who should take responsibility for reducing sodium in the Canadian food system. 

"80 per cent of Canadians agree food manufacturers should take more responsibility to reduce sodium in foods so the message is loud and clear," says Carolyn O'Brien, Director, Regulatory Affairs, Canada Bread. "Canada Bread has launched Dempster's Healthy Way with ProCardio Recipe, a bread developed to target heart health with the lowest level of sodium among national leading brands*. Clearly Canadians are looking for healthy, low sodium options as evidenced by Healthy Way winning Product of the Year award in the Heart Health category in a national vote of 12,000 consumers."

The survey was commissioned by Dempster's and conducted by Ipsos Reid in December 2009. One thousand adults from across Canada were polled.

Dempster's also introduced Healthy Way with ProCardio Recipe Fresh Squares, a tasty heart healthy snack which is low in sodium (only 1 per cent of daily value), high in fibre and made with 100 per cent whole grains.

Source: Dempster's

* Lowest sodium breads in Canada among National Leading brands based on a 50g reference amount.