HealthFocus(R) Studies Reveal That Few Consumers in U.S. or UK Know How Much Sodium to Consume

CHICAGO, June 9, 2010 - A recent HealthFocus(R) International study revealed significant
confusion and concern among U.S. consumers regarding acceptable sodium levels
in the foods and beverages they regularly consume. While nearly two-thirds
(65%) of all consumers express some concern about sodium intake; 79% do not
know that the recommended daily intake is 1500-2400mg.

These results are echoed in a new study HealthFocus conducted among
consumers in the UK, where 82% do not know salt intake should be less than 6
g per day. And, according to the study, consumers that already have high
blood pressure are not any more knowledgeable about appropriate levels of
salt intake.

Among those in the UK study who are concerned about their salt intake,
high blood pressure was their number one reason for concern at 19%, followed
closely by bloating and water weight gain (16%). In both the U.S. and UK,
bloating and water weight gain actually outranks high blood pressure as the
key concern around excess sodium for females.

Sodium is expected to have an ongoing negative impact on health. Despite
the Healthy People 2010 goal of reducing the prevalence of high blood
pressure in the U.S. to 16%, a recently published study in the Journal of the
American Medical Association of the latest National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey (NHANES) data shows that high blood pressure rates are not
decreasing. In fact, rates have remained at 28% since 1999-2000, which is an
increase from the 1988 - 1994 rate of 24%.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), people in the U.S.
consume over twice the amount of sodium recommended by AHA to prevent or
lower high blood pressure. Data from HealthFocus show that in spite of the
lack of knowledge, three quarters of U.S. shoppers do report interest in
sodium and its effect on high blood pressure, with a similar number wanting
to know about the link between potassium and high blood pressure as well.
Both of these topics are of much greater interest to lower income shoppers,
who also report much more concern about high blood pressure than total
shoppers (60% vs. 47%). Forty percent more shoppers with incomes under
US$25,000 also report being personally affected by high blood pressure
compared to those with incomes over US$75,000.

Significant efforts are underway in both countries to limit sodium and
salt intake. Results from the HealthFocus International studies suggest
efforts need to go toward increased education at all income levels about
appropriate levels of intake and the risks of overindulgence.

About HealthFocus International

HealthFocus International specializes in understanding consumer attitudes
towards health and nutrition and helping to apply those insights to brand
development and innovation. The HealthFocus database, dating back nearly 20
years, is the largest global database available on shopper health and
nutrition. The syndicated HealthFocus Trend Survey, conducted in the U.S. and
18 other markets, is the most in-depth, up-to-date study of its kind.
HealthFocus International offers full-service marketing research capabilities
overseen by experienced consultants with either brand marketing or
nutritional science backgrounds. Our experience helps you apply the knowledge
from your reports or studies to your brands.

HealthFocus International is a division of Irwin Broh Research
(www.irwinbroh.com/), Chicago, IL.

Julie Johnson of HealthFocus International, +1-727-821-7499, Julie.johnson at healthfocus.com. NOTE TO EDITORS: To obtain a copy of this study, email Julie Johnson, julie.johnson at healthfocus.com.