Salt Intake Among the Iranian Population and Public Attitudes Toward Salt Consumption: National and Subnational Report From STEPS 2021

This national and subnational analysis assessed salt intake levels and public attitudes toward salt consumption among Iranian adults using data from the STEPS 2021 survey. Based on urine sodium estimates from over 17,900 participants, the study found that the average daily salt intake was 9.71 g/day, with nearly 98% of the population exceeding the WHO-recommended limit of 5 g/day. Salt intake was higher among men, rural residents, married individuals, and those with obesity or hypertension. Although most participants recognized the health risks of excessive salt intake, many continued behaviors such as adding salt during meals and consuming salty processed foods. Awareness and strict control of hypertension were associated with lower salt intake. The findings highlight a critical public health challenge and underscore the need for strengthened national salt reduction strategies, including food reformulation, public education, and policy interventions.