In 2011, a meta-analysis published in the journal found no strong evidence that reducing salt consumption decreased all-cause mortality or cardiovascular morbidity.

[8][9] Its conclusions were at odds with those of previously conducted observational studies, which some researchers suggested was because the new meta-analysis did not look at enough patients.

[10] In March 2014, another meta-analysis was published in the journal which found that reduced salt consumption and increased salt consumption, relative to the typical amount consumed by Americans, were associated with increased mortality.

[11] The study proved controversial because it found that the level of salt consumption associated with the best health outcomes was between 2,645 and 4,945 mg/day, which is much higher than the CDC's recommendations.

[12] The American Heart Association criticized the study, saying that it "relied on flawed data.