Nigerians have been called upon to adhere strictly to the normal intake of salt at 5% gram required by the body system to function optimally.

The call came through Nigerian Sodium Study Team of the Cardiovascular Research Unit, University of ABUJA Teaching Hospital Gwagwalada during a one day sensitisation awareness on salt effect in food and other consumables.

Nutrition Team Lead of the Unit and FCT Nutrition Officer, Mrs Clementina Okoro while  sensitizing students of Government Girls college Dutse,  noted the salt is  important to the human system yet has adverse effects when consumed beyond the required percentage.

Salt is a mineral composed primarily of sodium chloride, which is an essential compound the body uses to absorb and transport nutrients.

Experts say Salt intake of less than 5 grams per day for adults helps to reduce blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular diseases.

However, inappropriate use of salt also has adverse side effects.

She said excess salt intake leads to cardiovascular brain damage and heart diseases which causes death.