Abstract
The main objective of the present study was to evaluate sodium and potassium intake, employing 24 h and spot urine samples and food diaries for seven consecutive days. For seven consecutive days subjects recorded their food and drink intakes, and recorded and collected all urinations. Food sodium and potassium intake were analyzed in 24- and 6-h intervals from wake-up time. Urine indices were analyzed in first morning, 24- and 6-h intervals samples over the day from wake-up time. The study took place in Agricultural University of Athens, Greece. In total, 163 healthy subjects (age 39 ± 12 years; 74 females) were enrolled in the study. Mean urine sodium excretion was 2,803.3 ± 1,249.0 mg/day (121.9 ± 54.3 mmol/day) and mean urine potassium excretion was 2,152.2 ± 913.3 mg/day (55.2 ± 23.4 mmol/day). The highest potassium concentration was measured in the afternoon, while the lowest sodium concentration was measured in the overnight 6-h interval. Food sodium intake was 1,983.2 ± 814.1 mg/day and food potassium was 2,264.5 ± 653.3 mg/day. The sources that contribute most in food sodium intake are dairy products 24%, breads 22%, and savory snacks 17%. Strategies should encourage the Greek population to moderate sodium intake and promote potassium intake, thus adopting a healthier dietary and lifestyle pattern.
Highlights
Strong and consistent evidence suggests that high-sodium and low-potassium dietary intakes are associated with increased blood pressure [1,2,3,4]
Strategies should encourage the Greek population to moderate sodium intake and promote potassium intake, adopting a healthier dietary and lifestyle pattern
In the framework of the European Hydration Research Study (EHRS) [29], we studied a subsample of 163 Greek subjects from the metropolitan area of Athens enrolled to the study during winter (12/2013, 1-2/2014) and summer (7-8/2013, 6-7/2014)
Summary
Strong and consistent evidence suggests that high-sodium and low-potassium dietary intakes are associated with increased blood pressure [1,2,3,4]. The Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet recommends a lower intake of sodium, sugars and fats, and a higher intake of potassium, calcium, and magnesium [10]. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that adults should consume less than 2,000 mg of sodium, or 5 g of salt, and at least 3,510 mg Sodium and Potassium Intake of potassium per day [11]. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that 90% of children and 89% of adults consume more sodium than it is suggested [12]
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