Scientists have clashed over claims that sugar may be worse for blood pressure and heart health than salt. Experts say people need to place a greater focus on cutting sugar intake and suggest the benefits of lowering salt levels are "debatable." Their arguments are published in the journal Open Heart. Other researchers have said the claims are "disingenuous" and "scientifically unnecessary".
They maintain both need to be reduced. Researchers from St Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute, and Montefiore Medical Centre in the USA reviewed a selection of evidence from basic science experiments, animal studies and human research.
They came to the conclusion that sugar – particularly fructose – may play a stronger role in high blood pressure and other cardiac conditions than salt. And they say lowering salt consumption under certain levels may do more harm than good. The research team suggests attempts to reduce salt in processed food may drive people to eat more.
But Prof Francessco Cappuccio, at the University of Warwick, said: "The emphasis on reducing sugar and not salt is disingenuous. "Both should be targeted at population level for an effective approach to cardiovascular prevention.