70–75% of the total sodium chloride (NaCl) intake in the human
diet is obtained from processed foods , out of which cereal and cereal products constitute
approximately 30%.
Hence, reducing the NaCl content
in bakery products could decrease the overall NaCl intake in human
diet. Since a large number of deaths related to excessive salt intake
are due to the consumption of bread with high NaCl contents, this
quantity must be reduced .
Moreover,
studies have shown that excessive dietary Na intake increases
blood pressure and may cause strokes and coronary heart diseases.
However, many bakers are reluctant to reduce the salt content in bread because it may lead to insufficient
dough strength and undesirable sensory profiles.
NaCl is an important
ingredient in bakery products as it contributes to the doughmaking
process by regulating the fermentation rate, strengthening
the dough and adding to the taste of the bread .