Quick Facts

• 12.7% of men add salt to food compared to 9.4% of women, according to a study of 8,000 Brazilian adults over 60
• Men living alone are 62% more likely to add salt than those living with others
• Salt overconsumption contributes to 1.89 million deaths worldwide each year

Men are significantly more likely to add salt to their food than women, according to new research published in Frontiers in Public Health. The study analyzed data from more than 8,000 Brazilian adults aged 60 and older.

Researchers found that 12.7% of men added salt to their meals compared to 9.4% of women. The findings reveal important gender differences in dietary habits that could impact heart health.

“Adding salt to food at the table remains a relatively common habit among Brazilian older adults and occurs more frequently among men than women,” said first author Dr. Flávia Brito, an associate professor at Rio de Janeiro State University.

Men who lived alone were 62% more likely to add salt than those living with others. Men not following a special diet for high blood pressure were 2.4 times more likely to add salt than those on such diets.

Women’s salt-adding behavior showed more complex patterns. “Women’s salt-adding behavior was associated with a wider range of social and dietary characteristics than men’s,” said co-author Dr. Débora Santos, a titular professor at Rio de Janeiro State University.

Women’s odds of adding salt increased by 68% if they did not follow a diet to manage high blood pressure. However, their behavior appeared more closely linked to broader dietary patterns and social factors.

The health implications are significant. Salt overconsumption contributes to approximately 1.89 million deaths worldwide each year. The World Health Organization recommends less than 2,000 mg of sodium daily, equivalent to about one teaspoon of salt.

Current global consumption averages 10.8 grams daily, more than double the WHO recommendation. Men typically consume more salt overall, with average daily intake of 9.5 grams compared to 7.1 grams for women.

Salt added to food after preparation accounts for 6-20% of total salt intake. Research shows that men demonstrate lower awareness of their salt consumption compared to women.

“The use of herbs and natural seasonings as alternatives to salt or culinary techniques such as using the acidity of citrus fruits may help reduce discretionary salt use while maintaining food palatability,” Santos concluded.

The researchers recommend that public health campaigns targeting salt reduction should be tailored to different population groups, including gender-specific approaches.

Read more: Who’s Most Likely To Add Extra Salt To Their Food? A New Study Has The Answer