The Institute of Medicine has released a new report questioning Americans' salt intake. That report is currently the subject of much debate. Here's what you need to know:

The Facts:

• On average, U.S. adults consume 3,400 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day.
• The U.S. government recommends average adults reduce their sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg. per day.
• The government further recommends adults over the age of 51, any African-American and anyone with hypertension, diabetes or chronic kidney failure to reduce their sodium intake to 1,500 mg. per day.
• The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends everyone consume under 1,500 mg. per day.

The Report: 

• There is enough evidence to link high sodium intake to heart-related diseases and events such as heart attacks and strokes. 
• Thus far, however, research has been "inconsistent and insufficient" to know how reducing daily sodium intake below 2,300 mg. impacts heart-related diseases and events, either negatively or positively.
• For adults with mid- to late-stage heart failure, reduced sodium intake may actually make things worse.
• There is not enough evidence to support the government's recommendation of 1,500 mg. sodium intake for at-risk consumers. 
• More research is necessary to determine which recommendation consumers should follow.

Reactions:

Dr. Elliott Antman, a spokesman for the American Heart Association, said: “The American Heart Association is not changing its position. [...] [Our recommendation is] based on the strength of evidence relating excess sodium intake to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and stroke. We have evidence that reduced intake of sodium can prevent and treat hypertension and reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular disease and stroke events. [...] We don't want people to be distracted from the important health message that there is benefit in aggressively lowering sodium from the current levels in the American diet."

Morton Satin, VP of science and research for the Salt Institute, an industry organization, said: "The report challenges the radical viewpoint of cutting sodium to 1,500 milligrams or below a day. This low amount has been shown to increase the health risks for some people. [...] The report's recognition that more research is needed marks a positive approach toward a more objective discussion about the complex effects of sodium reduction on overall health."

Dr. Michael H. Alderman, a dietary sodium expert at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, said: “What they have done is earth-shattering. They have changed the paradigm of this issue. Until now it was all about blood pressure. Now they say it is more complicated.”

Bonnie Liebman, director of nutrition at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, said: “It would be a shame if this report convinced people that salt doesn’t matter.” 

Dive Take:

The food industry could greatly benefit from offering low-salt options to consumers. And it's not just good PR. As researchers continue to debate the link of diseases with high salt intake, food companies with only high-salt products face inevitable backlash while more and more consumers seek out low-salt foods. While the data is not yet definitive, companies offering other options can put the onus on the consumer to make the right choice for themselves. For now, cutting out salt entirely seems excessive while balance and moderation in consumers' diets appears to be the healthiest route of them all.