Sodium intake and metabolic syndrome: a systematic review

Recent studies have shown that sodium intake restrictions may increase insulin resistance (IR) and induce changes on serum lipoproteins and on inflammation markers that are similar to those found in metabolic syndrome (MS). We performed a systematic review of literature regarding the effects of restricting sodium intake on MS or on IR. Nine articles were included in the review. Restriction of sodium consumption was associated with increase insulin resistance in two articles and with decrease in three others. In seven of nine articles, salt intake restriction determined blood pressure reduction, and in two articles adverse effects on markers of MS were found. Most studies showed beneficial effects of moderate sodium intake restriction, associated or not to others nutritional modifications or increased physical activity. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effects of moderate sodium consumption reductions on MS and IR. Arq Bras Endocdnol Metab. 2009;53(5):608-16.