Date: 07/10/2024

High sodium consumption is a growing concern in the world of nutrition. To combat the problems associated with excessive intake, such as hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, the food industry has been adopting alternatives that can bring benefits, such as sodium reduction. But what exactly are these ingredients, and how do they work? That's what we'll explain in the content below.

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What is a natural flavor that helps reduce sodium in foods?

It is an ingredient used in the formulation of various food products. One of the key functions of this flavor is the ability to reduce sodium in foods while providing a taste similar to traditional salt but with a significantly lower amount of sodium, offering a highly desirable effect. This technology is essential to meet the growing demand for healthier yet flavorful foods.

How does a sodium reduction flavor work?

This is a widely used process in the food industry to reduce sodium levels in products without compromising taste. Additionally, ingredients and flavors with these characteristics help prevent diseases related to excessive salt consumption, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and even kidney problems. They contribute to a more balanced and healthy diet without sacrificing the flavor that consumers are used to.

How can these ingredients benefit health?

The benefits go beyond simply reducing salt content. These ingredients enable the creation of healthier foods without compromising taste, providing an alternative for those who need or want to reduce their sodium intake. Below, we detail the main advantages of using sodium reducers in processed foods:

Reduction of sodium levels in foods

One of the greatest advantages is the ability to significantly reduce sodium levels in food products. By using sodium reducers, it's possible to offer foods that comply with WHO recommendations, which suggest a maximum daily sodium intake of 2 g, without compromising taste.

Preservation of flavor

The main challenge in reformulating products with lower sodium content is preserving the flavor that consumers already know and enjoy. This ingredient can strike this balance by providing a sensory experience similar to regular salt. This allows the industry to offer tasty foods with less impact on health while maintaining consumer loyalty.

Disease prevention

By reducing the amount of sodium in the diet, various diseases associated with excessive salt consumption, such as hypertension, stroke, and heart failure, are prevented. In this way, they contribute to promoting health by offering a practical solution for preventing these increasingly prevalent conditions worldwide.

Nutrient preservation

Another positive aspect of using these natural flavors is that they preserve the essential nutrients in food. While reducing sodium content, they do not interfere with the nutritional composition of the products. This is especially important for maintaining the nutritional value of processed foods, which are often an important source of vitamins and minerals for consumers.

The importance of nutritional labeling for high-sodium foods

Since October 2022, the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) has made front labeling mandatory for products that contain high levels of sodium. You’ve probably seen packages on supermarket shelves with a "magnifying glass" symbol indicating "high in sodium." This symbol is part of an effort to inform consumers about the risks of consuming foods with excessive sodium.

The magnifying glass symbol is required for foods that contain:

● 600 mg of sodium per 100 g (solid and semi-solid foods);

● 300 mg per 100 mL (liquid foods).

This measure aims to raise public awareness of the dangers of excessive sodium consumption, which can contribute to health issues such as hypertension, stroke, and heart disease.

Aromas naturais de carne e sua contribuição na redução de sódio

Natural meat flavors, like the NatSense line, offer a promising alternative for reducing sodium in food without compromising taste. These flavors are developed from fresh, animal-based raw materials, ensuring quality and traceability.

There are two main categories of natural meat flavors:

● Those that amplify the flavor of foods and allow for a significant reduction of sodium in formulations.

● And those obtained through slow cooking, which help enhance the flavor of foods without the need for large amounts of salt.

These flavors can be used in both human food and pet food, providing flexibility in the development of food products. Additionally, their high solubility makes them versatile ingredients for various food industries.

BRF Ingredients, with its portfolio of solutions such as NatSense natural flavors and sodium reduction properties, positions itself as an authority in the development of ingredients that balance health and flavor. These innovations meet the demand for low-sodium foods, aligning with Anvisa regulations and the needs of increasingly health-conscious consumers.

By understanding how flavors work and the advantages they offer, it becomes clear that these ingredients play a fundamental role in producing healthier and safer foods. The potential reduction of sodium in food products not only meets regulatory requirements but also responds to the growing consumer demand for options that promote health without sacrificing flavor. Thus, ingredients like these flavors become essential for the food industry, helping to promote a healthier and more sustainable future.

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References:

Sodium Reducer | Available at: https://www.liberoquimicos.com.br/redutor-sodio

Anvisa Determination | Available at: https://www.cnnbrasil.com.br/saude/como-a-anvisa-determina-se-um-alimento-e-considerado-alto-em-sodio/#:~=Provavelmente%2C%20voc%C3%AA%20j%C3%A1%20deve%20ter,de%20s%C3%B3dio%20na%20sua%20composi%C3%A7%C3%A3o

Anvisa Labels | Available at: https://www.gov.br/pt-br/noticias/saude-e-vigilancia-sanitaria/2020/10/rotulos-de-alimentos-vao-informar-consumidor-sobre-alto-teor-de-acucar-e-sodio