Abstract
BackgroundLimited data is available on sodium (Na) and potassium (K) intake in young children estimated by 24 hour (24h) excretion in urine. The aim was to assess 24h urinary excretion of Na and K in six-year-old children and its relationship with diet quality.MethodsThe study population was a subsample of a national dietary survey, including six-year-old children living in the greater Reykjavik area (n=76). Three day weighed food records were used to estimate diet quality. Diet quality was defined as adherence to the Icelandic food based dietary guidelines. Na and K excretion was analyzed from 24h urine collections. PABA check was used to validate completeness of urine collections. The associations between Na and K excretion and diet quality were estimated by linear regression, adjusting for gender and energy intake.ResultsValid urine collections and diet registrations were provided by 58 children. Na and K excretion was, mean (SD), 1.64 (0.54) g Na/24h (approx. 4.1 g salt/24h) and 1.22 (0.43) g K/24h. In covariate adjusted models Na excretion decreased by 0.16 g Na/24h (95% CI: 0.31, 0.06) per 1-unit increase in diet quality score (score range: 1–4) while K excretion was increased by 0.18 g K/24h (95% CI: 0.06, 0.29).ConclusionsNa intake, estimated by 24h urinary excretion was on average higher than recommended. Increased diet quality was associated with lower Na excretion and higher K excretion in six-year-old children.
Highlights
Limited data is available on sodium (Na) and potassium (K) intake in young children estimated by 24 hour (24h) excretion in urine
Tracking of dietary habits from early childhood into adulthood has shown that children with extremely high levels of Na intake tend to maintain those levels over time [10,11,12]
Of 76 children returning the 24h urine collection and had complete dietary data, 18 were excluded due to incomplete urine collections according to PABA recovery
Summary
Limited data is available on sodium (Na) and potassium (K) intake in young children estimated by 24 hour (24h) excretion in urine. Studies including 24h urine collections for estimation of Na and K intake in children are relatively few. Food based dietary guidelines have been established as a result of studies showing that the overall diet quality rather than specific nutrients protects against chronic diseases in adults [3,4,5]. The main dietary sources of Na in children are considered to be less healthy, including processed meat and fast food dishes [8,9]. Diet in childhood can be a significant determinant of adult dietary habits even after several decades [13]
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