Understanding the Two Faces of Low-Salt Intake

Fierce debate has developed whether low-sodium intake, like high-sodium intake, could be associated with adverse outcome. The debate originates in earlier epidemiological studies associating high-sodium intake with high blood pressure and more recent studies demonstrating a higher cardiovascular event rate with both low- and high-sodium intake. This brings into question whether we entirely understand the consequences of high- and (very) low-sodium intake for the systemic hemodynamics, the kidney function, the vascular wall, the immune system, and the brain. Evolutionarily, sodium retention mechanisms in the context of low dietary sodium provided a survival advantage and are highly conserved, exemplified by the renin-angiotensin system. What is the potential for this sodium-retaining mechanism to cause harm? In this paper, we will consider current views on how a sodium load is handled, visiting aspects including the effect of sodium on the vessel wall, the sympathetic nervous system, the brain renin-angiotensin system, the skin as “third compartment” coupling to vascular endothelial growth factor C, and the kidneys. From these perspectives, several mechanisms can be envisioned whereby a low-sodium diet could potentially cause harm, including the renin-angiotensin system and the sympathetic nervous system. Altogether, the uncertainties preclude a unifying model or practical clinical guidance regarding the effects of a low-sodium diet for an individual. There is a very strong need for fundamental and translational studies to enhance the understanding of the potential adverse consequences of low-salt intake as an initial step to facilitate better clinical guidance.