Salt Matters: A Consumer Guide.

Beard T, Lothian Books, Melbourne, 2004, 294 pages, $24.95, ISBN 0-7344-0610-X

This is a remarkable book for its blend of science and practice, making it a most dependable and useful guide to salt (sodium) intake.

Dr Beard's career has been one of the best examples of how primary health care by a general medical practitioner can open new insights and opportunities for major public health initiatives--in his case, not only salt and health, but also hydatid disease in rural Australia. He has persevered with these concerns, ensured they have been researched and promoted the findings: 'active retirement' is indeed one of his characteristics.

Although clear and unswerving about the findings on salt as a cause of hypertension and stroke, the risk and benefits of tackling it are carefully documented. The broader array of health problems are canvassed (such as glaucoma and osteoporosis with high salt intake; iodine deficiency with restriction of iodized salt intake). Solutions to these dilemmas are also considered.

That Dr Beard has been immersed in ways and means to enjoy food and beverages, at a lower prevailing salt intake is also clear. There are wonderful tips about cooking and eating, especially in relation to culinary herbs, sauces and dressings. Most important is the message that most people get most of their salt from processed food and how, without adequate nutrition labelling, we can all be misled about our sodium intake.

This book is destined to be a classic, at least in Australia. It needs to be in international editions as well.

Mark L. Wahlqvist

Director, Asia Pacific Health & Nutrition Centre, Melbourne

Chair, Australian Academy of Science 

President, International Union of Nutritional Sciences