How much table salt do you consume each day? What are the short and long term health consequences of excessive salt intake? A study by Statistics Canada published this week in Health Reports has determined the majority of Canadian men and women exceed the upper recommended limit. Most Canadians consume far more salt in their average daily diet than is necessary, or recommended.

Among individuals aged 19 to 70, the upper limit was surpassed by more than 85% of men and 60% of women.

• Dr. Stephen Havas, vice president of public health for the American Medical Association and Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine