Sodium intake reduction efforts in Lebanon

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Mohamad M Almedawar - , American University of Beirut (Author)
  • Lara Nasreddine - , American University of Beirut (Author)
  • Ammar Olabi - , American University of Beirut (Author)
  • Haya Hamade - , American University of Beirut (Author)
  • Elie Awad - , American University of Beirut (Author)
  • Imad Toufeili - , American University of Beirut (Author)
  • Samir Arnaout - , American University of Beirut (Author)
  • Hussain A Isma'eel - , American University of Beirut (Author)
  • Lebanese University
  • Cleveland Clinic Foundation

Abstract

Sodium intake reduction efforts in Lebanon are quite recent and have just started to take effect on the national level. Starting out from an academic institution, the Lebanese Action on Sodium and Health (LASH) campaign was established to counter the increasing prevalence of hypertension and associated adverse health effects. The campaign's strategy was based on four pillars: research, health communication, advocacy, and monitoring. The LASH group set out with determining: baseline sodium intake of the population, main sources of sodium intake, and the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KAB) of the population as a situation analysis that prompts for action. This gave LASH tangible evidence of the magnitude of the problem and the need for the government, the food industry, and the consumers, to be mobilized to take part in devising a solution. Currently, Lebanon is at a stage of technically working to reduce the sodium content in the major sources of sodium, namely local bread and bread-like products. The next steps will include implementation of a plan for monitoring industry compliance, while studying other food targets, including dairy products and processed meat. Meanwhile, the health communication plan is ongoing and the Salt Awareness Week is celebrated every year with media appearances of LASH researchers to raise the issue to the public eye.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)178-85
Number of pages8
JournalCardiovascular Diagnosis and Therapy
Volume5
Issue number3
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2015
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

External IDs

PubMed 26090328
PubMedCentral PMC4451314
ORCID /0009-0004-4894-2360/work/177361327

Keywords