Electrified cutlery could help people cut their salt intake by 30%, scientists say

Japanese scientists have designed a chopstick-like device to administer the electric current in a bid to cut people's salt intake. The technology works by affecting charged ions that make up salt

Scientists have invented electrified cutlery which they reckon could cut salt intake by 30%.

The utensil sends a weak electric current to the tongue to make the sodium chloride in the mouth seem much stronger.

It means people could reduce the salt in their food without losing out on flavour.

Too much salt is one of the main causes of high blood pressure, which can result in stroke or heart attack.

Study lead author Yoshinobu Kaji said: “Many people consume twice the salt intake recommended by the World Health Organisation... A drastic solution is essential. This study suggests a 30% reduction in salt can be achieved by electrical stimulation.”

The Japanese team designed a chopstick-like device to administer the electric current. The technology works by affecting charged ions that make up salt.

Yoshinobu, a masters student at Meiji University in Tokyo, and fellow researchers studied 31 volunteers who were given salt water samples with different strengths.

The aim is to develop commercially available cutlery. Around 2.5 million global deaths could be prevented each year if people keep daily salt consumption to less than a teaspoon, according to the WHO.

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