Is excessive salt intake linked to stomach cancer?

A recent study conducted by nutrition experts at the Center for Public Health Medical in the University of Vienna raised concerns about the impact of salt consumption on health, particularly regarding stomach cancer.

The findings suggest that individuals in the UK who regularly add extra salt to their meals may be 41 percent more likely to develop stomach cancer compared to those who use salt sparingly or moderately.

The study reinforces earlier research indicating that excessive salt intake can erode the protective lining of the stomach, leading to tissue damage and potentially cancerous changes.

To arrive at these conclusions, researchers analyzed data from over 471,000 adults in the UK over an 11-year period.

The results consistently showed that high salt consumption is linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer, even after accounting for other factors such as age, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle habits like alcohol consumption and smoking.

Dr. Selma Kronsteiner-Gicevic, the lead author of the study and a nutritionist at the University of Vienna, emphasized the significance of the findings, stating, "Our research highlights the relationship between the frequency of salt addition and stomach cancer. This study contributes to raising awareness about the negative effects of excessive salt intake and provides a basis for preventive measures against stomach cancer."