The latest research uses global health data to conduct scenario modeling and estimates that if all common salt is replaced by potassium-rich salt, nearly 2.96 million deaths from cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease can be avoided every year; scenario photo. (Picture taken from Freepik)
[Compiled by Chen Chengliang/Comprehensive Report] What health benefits might be brought by switching to potassium-containing salt substitutes for daily salt? A global model study estimates that if the world were to replace common table salt with potassium-rich salt, approximately 2.96 million deaths from cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease could be avoided each year.
The study, which involved researchers from the University of New South Wales in Australia and the George Institute for Global Health, was published in the medical journal Nature Health on November 4. The research team used data from 193 countries and regions around the world to evaluate different scenarios for replacing ordinary table salt with potassium-rich salt.
The model estimates that if household cooking, seasoning, and general salt in processed foods and catering were all switched to potassium-rich salt, approximately 10.17 million new cases of cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease could be reduced each year.
Potassium-rich salt, as the study calls it, partially replaces the sodium chloride in ordinary table salt with potassium chloride. The formula used in the research model is 75% sodium chloride and 25% potassium chloride. By reducing sodium intake and increasing potassium intake, blood pressure changes and subsequent cardiovascular and renal disease burdens are estimated.
The research team pointed out that if general salt is completely replaced, it is estimated that about 2.96 million deaths can be avoided each year; if only the salt used in household cooking and seasoning is replaced, about 1.85 million deaths can be avoided. These figures are model estimates based on existing health and diet data, and are not the actual results observed after the implementation of salt replacement policies around the world.
The study also pointed out that the model results are affected by assumptions such as changes in sodium and potassium intake and blood pressure, and the actual benefits still depend on policy implementation and public usage. This is an estimate of the risks and benefits of the model for a specific group and cannot be interpreted to mean that it is still safe for patients to use potassium-rich salts on their own.
People with poor kidney function should not switch to it on their own
Potassium-rich salts are not suitable for everyone. The guidelines for low-sodium salt substitutes issued by the World Health Organization in 2025 recommend that ordinary adults consider using low-sodium salt substitutes containing potassium, but they are not suitable for people with impaired kidney function or other conditions that may affect potassium ion excretion, and are not suitable for children and pregnant women.
The research model also estimates that if common salt is completely replaced, for patients with stage 3 to stage 5 chronic kidney disease, hyperkalemia may cause about 100,000 deaths per year; on the other hand, lowering blood pressure may avoid about 750,000 cardiovascular disease deaths.
Since commercially available low-sodium salts usually replace part of the sodium chloride with potassium chloride, patients with kidney disease, as well as people who use potassium-sparing diuretics and other drugs that may affect blood potassium, must consult a medical professional before switching.
