North Indian diet raises risk of hypertension, heart, kidney ailments

The dietary habits of the North Indian population could be hiding a potential risk of developing hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney ailments, a study by the researchers at The George Institute for Global Health India, in collaboration with Chandigarh-based Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), suggests.

The study results reveal the population is prone to excessive salt consumption surpassing recommended levels, inadequate potassium intake, and protein consumption below the recommended dietary allowance due to their dietary habits. Men exhibited higher nutrient intake compared to women.

The study focused on the North Indian populations, on the intake of sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein, all of which have an impact on the risk of development of such non-communicable diseases.

Published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, the study involved over 400 adult participants encompassing healthy adults and those with early-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD). It utilised 24-hour urinary excretion analysis, a method considered to be less prone to errors, to assess nutrient intake.

“A poor nutritious diet is a major risk element for non-communicable diseases (NCD), which are of considerable public health concern. In India, people eat different foods, so it is important to know exactly what nutrients they are getting to help prevent and manage these diseases. The high salt intake and low potassium intake point to the need to develop interventions targeted to individuals and societies” Vivekanand Jha, Executive Director, The George Institute for Global Health, India and the lead study author, said.

The study shows how to take proactive steps to fight NCDs, fostering a healthier future for North Indian communities. Researchers suggested using multifaceted strategies, including providing better information on food labels so people can make healthier choices, reducing salt in processed foods, and encouraging people to eat more fruits and vegetables rich in potassium.

The study was supported by funding from the Department of Biotechnology, New Delhi, India Science and Engineering Research Board, New Delhi, and the Department of Biotechnology-Wellcome Trust, India Alliance.

Established in Sydney, with major standalone centres in India, China and the U.K., The George Institute for Global Health works towards generating effective, evidence-based and affordable solutions to the world’s biggest health challenges.