The association of sodium intake with successful aging, in 3,349 middle-aged and older adults: Results from the ATTICA and MEDIS cross-sectional epidemiological studies

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The association between sodium intake and successful aging is not elucidated to date. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between sodium intake and successful aging, in people aged >50 years, living in Greece. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in middle aged and older adult participants of the ATTICA (n = 1,128) and MEDIS (n = 2,221) epidemiological studies. Anthropometric, clinical, socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics derived through standard procedures and questionnaires. Sodium intake was measured based on the USDA Food Composition database; table salt or salt from processed foods were not evaluated. Successful aging was assessed using the Successful Aging Index (SAI, range 0–10, higher values indicating higher successful aging) comprising of health-related, social, lifestyle and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Participants with ≥1500 mg/day sodium intake had 20.2% on average lower SAI score compared to those with <1500 mg/day sodium intake; stratification by sex and age revealed that in both females and males high sodium intake (≥1900 mg/day) was also inversely associated with SAI compared to low sodium intake (<1300 mg/day); this association was more evident among older males (high vs. low: >70-males/>70-females, –90% vs. 82.5%, p < 0.001) and overweight/obese participants (high vs. low: overweight/obese/normal weight, –59% vs. –35%, p’s < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Daily sodium intake of <1500 mg seems to be a key factor for achieving successful aging. Public health nutrition policies should enforce their actions on reducing sodium intake by people of all ages.