Simulating changes in sodium within manufactured foods in the U.S.

Abstract

Elevated sodium levels can lead to high blood pressure and an increased cardiovascular disease risk. Yet recent studies have emphasized the importance of the sodium/potassium ratio and its association with blood pressure. Within the U.S. population for ages ≥ 1 year old, sodium consumption averaged 3,397 mg/day, exceeding the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) recommendation of 2,300 mg/day. Potassium mean daily intake for the same population was 2,497 mg/day with DRI recommendations of 2,600 mg/day for adult females and 3,400 mg/day for adult males. Using NHANES 2017–2018 day one 24-hour recall, 25% reduction of sodium in the following categories: deli meat sandwich, soup, pizza, and savory snacks were simulated. The 7,122 individuals were categorized into five age groups: 2–8 year old, 9–18 year old, 19–39 year old, 40–59 year old, and 60+ year old. Results showed a significant decrease in sodium consumption across all age groups (p < 0.001). In addition, changes in the sodium/potassium intake ratio were significant in all age groups (p < 0.001). This analysis demonstrates the possibility of achieving public health goals by changes in manufactured foods, which may be easier than individual behavior change.