The IAFNS Sodium in Food & Health Implications (SoFHI) committee supports collaboration among academic, industry, and government scientists and focuses on the development and communication of sodium research on foods, food patterns and health implications across demographics.
The Committee has four primary areas of focus:
• Facilitate stakeholder dialogue on topics related to intake of sodium in the context of the total diet;
• Support applied clinical or epidemiological research to improve the understanding of sodium in foods and the relationship to estimates of intake;
• Understand different facets of sodium reduction in foods;
• Provide subject matter expertise to NGOs, federal agencies, and other public health stakeholders on sodium as relevant to food composition, food safety, and food quality.
Interested in learning more? The sodium committee has continuing education:
- Access CEU credits here.
General Mills, Inc.
Projects Supported by the Committee:
Publications
Perspective: Challenges and Strategies to Reduce the Sodium Content of Foods by the Food Service Industry
Advances in Nutrition, 2023
A Qualitative Look at Perception and Experience of Sodium Reduction Strategies in the Food Industry through Focus Groups and Individual Interviews
Journal of Food Science, 2023
Future efforts to reduce the incidence of sodium overconsumption should be carried out through multiple avenues rather than focusing on the agency of consumers, the food sector, or research alone.
Top Sodium Food Sources in the American Diet—Using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Nutrients, 2023
This study quantitatively estimates the proportion contribution and mean sodium intake from key food category contributors to total sodium intake in the US population.
Compendium of Sodium Reduction Strategies in Foods: A Scoping Review
Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 2022
It has been suggested that reducing sodium in the food supply may be the most appropriate solution. The aim of this scoping review was to establish what sodium reduction strategies are effective in maintaining acceptable sensory qualities for various food industry applications.
Read more about Compendium of Sodium Reduction Strategies in Foods: A Scoping Review
Targeting the Dietary Na:K Ratio—Considerations for Design of an Intervention Study to Impact Blood Pressure
Advances in Nutrition, 2022
Fundamental to developing a specific dietary recommendation for a sodium-to-potassium ratio is a well-designed human intervention trial.
Events
IAFNS Expert Dialogue on Sodium Reduction and Public Health
March 14, 2024
Washington, DC
The IAFNS Sodium in Foods & Health Implications Committee hosted an Expert Dialogue on sodium’s role in the food supply and opportunities to update current public health strategies for sodium reduction.
Read more about IAFNS Expert Dialogue on Sodium Reduction and Public Health
Webinar Series: Why is Reducing Sodium So Hard? Sensory Science, Consumer Insights and Culinary Solutions
January 31, 2024
Virtual, Event
Sodium reduction lies at the center of a complex world of taste, food safety, consumer perceptions and culinary solutions. Speakers will address the science behind taste and smell, while also exploring the various factors that influence consumers’ sodium perceptions and behaviors.
Webinar Series: Benefits of Potassium Substitution for Public Health
January 29, 2024
Virtual, Event
Potassium substituted for salt has been shown to not only reduce blood pressure, but also reduce the risk for stroke and cardiovascular disease.
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Webinar Series: Emerging Science — Leveraging Innovation to Address Technical Challenges of Reducing Sodium in Foods
January 26, 2024
Virtual, Event
Many food manufacturers and food service organizations have made commitments towards sodium reduction in their products and have introduced them into the market. There are many technical obstacles to reducing sodium in food products considering the functional roles of sodium-containing ingredients.
Webinar Series: Effects of Sodium Reduction on Food Safety and Quality
January 25, 2024
Virtual, Event
Today, salt remains essential in many food commodities, such as dairy and ready-to-eat meats, not only as a preservative but also as a flavor enhancer and a means to improve texture. However, the need to reduce sodium consumption has become more critical to public health.
Read more about Webinar Series: Effects of Sodium Reduction on Food Safety and Quality