Processed Foods Main Source of Sodium for Many

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Many people consume too much sodium, and processed foods are the main reason why, new research shows.

ScienceDaily reported Tuesday on the study set to appear in the February issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Australian researchers conducted a systematic review of the sodium contents of processed foods available in that country. Previous research has shown that high sodium intake can raise blood pressure.

The team at the George Institute for International Health in Sydney said their database and descriptive data offer the tools and information needed for continued monitoring of sodium content in processed foods.

The Australian research "is important in that these real-time data provide baseline information on the sodium content of many foods in Australia," American Society for Nutrition spokesman Roger Clemens said in a society news release. "A successful sodium-reduction process is likely to involve several steps, a gradual decrease in sodium such that food safety is not compromised while attempting to reduce the risk of elevated blood pressure among those who may respond to lower dietary sodium."