China's epic salt problem

Editor's note

In the 17th century, the Chinese scientist Song Yingxing wrote in his treatise: “A man would not be unwell if he abstained for an entire year from either the sweet or sour or bitter or hot; but deprive him of salt for a fortnight, and he will be too weak to tie up a chicken.” In China, salt is regarded as one of the seven necessities of life. Today, however, it is robbing people of their lives.

Salt causes high blood pressure and this is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease, which causes about 40% of deaths in China. It has long been known that salt consumption in China is high but no one had put an accurate figure on it. Monique Tan has done an analysis. Adults in China consume 10.9g of salt per day, which is more than twice the maximum 5g recommendation set by the World Health Organisation – and one of the highest salt intakes in the world.

Perhaps more worrying is that children aged six to 16 are exceeding the maximum salt intake for adults at (8.7g per day). Chinese public health officials have their work cut out for them.

And scientists have been looking at whether a thin layer of silica aerogel could be used on Mars to make the planet habitable. Back on Earth, Boris Johnson has been threatening to suspend parliament to force through a no-deal Brexit. Charles I did that and he literally lost his head.

Clint Witchalls

Health + Medicine Editor

HandmadePictures/Shutterstock

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