Written question asked by Ann Winterton (Conservative) on Thursday, 27 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 December 2003. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Thursday, 11 December 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what risk assessment his Department has conducted on depleted sodium levels in elderly people during hot weather conditions; what advice his Department has issued to elderly people on salt consumption during hot weather conditions.

Answer: Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what risk assessment his Department has conducted on depleted sodium levels in elderly people during hot weather conditions; [141465] (2) what advice his Department has issued to elderly people on salt consumption during hot weather conditions. [141466] Miss Melanie Johnson: The Department has not conducted any risk assessment on depleted sodium levels or issued any specific advice on salt consumption to older people during hot weather conditions. There is insufficient evidence to suggest that elderly people should modify their normal salt consumption during hot weather conditions. It is, however, important to maintain an adequate fluid intake.

Secondary information