The Salt Swap Study

The aim of this study is to test a new program to help people with high blood pressure to reduce their salt intake, by helping them choose lower-salt products when supermarket shopping.

About this study

High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and stroke and is a major cause of ill-health in the UK. There is evidence that eating too much salt can increase your blood pressure.

The recommended salt intake for adults is less than 6g/day, but the average adult in the UK eats 8.1g/day. The majority of the salt people eat comes from packaged or processed foods. For many high-salt products there is a similar, lower-salt alternative but it can be difficult for shoppers to quickly identify these alternatives.

Who can participate?

Adults with high blood pressure who regularly shop in a supermarket and own a smartphone.

What does the study involve?

Participants are randomly allocated to one of two groups.

Those in the first group take part in the program to help them lower their salt intake. This consists of advice from a healthcare professional about salt and its effect on blood pressure and instructions to download and use a smartphone app which suggests lower-salt alternatives when grocery shopping.

Those in the second group receive an information leaflet which contains tips and tools to help reduce salt intake.