Protocol : Assessment of the relationship between sodium intake and pre-specified health outcomes, including dose–response relationships, and integration of different lines of evidence for setting DRVs for sodium

As part of a series of scientific opinions on dietary references values (DRVs) for micronutrients for the European population, the EFSAPanel on Dietetics Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA)is reviewing the scientific evidence to set DRVs for sodium. The protocol presented in this document describes the methodology that will beapplied for: i) the assessment of possible relationships between sodium intake and health outcomes, including dose-response relationship(s), where applicable, and ii) the integration of different lines of evidence for setting DRVs. In particular,systematic reviews on the relationship between sodium intake and blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, bone mineral density, bone mineral content, and osteoporotic fractures will be conducted. The protocol will be implemented in 2018. The outcome will be usedby the NDA Panel to completeits scientific opinion on DRVs for sodium.A public consultation will be organised once the scientific opinion is complete (Spring 2019; https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/calls/consultations). This protocol will be published as an Annex to the scientific opinion (Annex A). Further information EFSA's work on DRVs: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/dietary-reference-values-and-dietary-guidelines