Low Sodium Salt:

Researchers found that the evidence supporting the effectiveness of low-sodium salt substitutes ranged from very low to moderate, indicating a likelihood of varied outcomes in future studies.

In comparison to regular salt usage, low-sodium salt substitutes demonstrated:

• Reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure among individuals with or without hypertension.
• No significant impact on the risk of developing new or existing hypertension.
• No discernible effect on mortality rates.

In summary, the use of low-sodium salt substitutes led to lowered blood pressure levels but did not influence the occurrence of hypertension or mortality rates, regardless of hypertension status.

Here’s a breakdown of the findings comparing low-sodium salt substitutes to regular salt usage in individuals with or without hypertension:

Outcomes:

• Systolic Blood Pressure: Across 16 trials involving 1993 individuals, systolic blood pressure was approximately 7.8 mm Hg lower among those using salt substitutes. (Evidence Quality: Low)
• Diastolic Blood Pressure: In the same 16 trials with 199 participants, diastolic blood pressure was roughly 4.0 mm Hg lower among salt substitute users. (Evidence Quality: Low)
• New or Existing Hypertension: Across 4 trials comprising 2928 individuals, no notable difference in the incidence of new or existing hypertension was observed. (Evidence Quality: Very Low)
• Death: From data obtained from 2 trials involving 2159 individuals, no significant variance in mortality rates was identified. (Evidence Quality: Moderate)

The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) framework.