Well, with an artificially inflated RDA for salt, food companies can use more salt in their products without being labeled “unhealthy.” Salt, as a flavor enhancer and food preservative that stimulates thirst, makes food taste better, last longer, and potentially increases drink sales, all of which are profitable for food manufacturers and sellers. Going further, the medical system benefits from salt levels that are too low or too high, but much more from high levels, as that involves a longer treatment plan.

What do you mean by reputation and belief?