High Adherence to Mediterranean Diet Is Not Associated with an Improved Sodium and Potassium Intake

Prevention and control of hypertension and cerebro-cardiovascular diseases are associated with adequate sodium and potassium intake and adherence to a Mediterranean dietary pattern. The aim of this study was to assess the association between adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MD) and the excretion of sodium and potassium as surrogate measures of intake. This is a cross-sectional analysis as part of a larger study (the iMC SALT randomized controlled trial) among workers of a public university. A food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the adherence to MD, using the alternative Mediterranean diet (aMED) score; sodium and potassium excretions were estimated by 24-h urine collections. Sociodemographic and other lifestyle characteristics were also obtained. The associations between the adherence to MD and Na and K excretion were calculated by logistic regression, adjusting for confounding variables. From the 109 selected participants, seven were excluded considering urine screening and completeness criteria, leaving a final sample of 102 subjects (48% male, average age 47 years). Mean sodium and potassium excretion were 3216 mg/day and 2646 mg/day, respectively. Sodium and potassium excretion were significantly higher in men, but no differences were found according to different levels of MD adherence. In logistic regression analysis, sodium, potassium, and sodium-to-potassium ratio urinary excretion tertiles were not associated with MD adherence (low/moderate versus high), even after adjustment for confounding variables. A high adherence to MD was thus not associated with a different level of sodium and potassium intake.

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Effects of Mediterranean Diet and Physical Activity on Pulmonary Function: A Cross-Sectional Analysis in the ILERVAS Project

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu11020329 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 329 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Liliana Gutiérrez-Carrasquilla ◽

Enric Sánchez ◽

Marta Hernández ◽

Dinora Polanco ◽

Jordi Salas-Salvadó ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Pulmonary Function ◽

Lung Disease ◽

Mediterranean Diet ◽

Respiratory Function ◽

Regression Models ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

High Adherence

A few studies showed that both adherence to Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and physical activity practice have a positive impact on pulmonary function in subjects with lung disease. These associations are not well studied in subjects free from lung disease. In a cross-sectional study conducted in 3020 middle-aged subjects free of lung disease, adherence to the MedDiet using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener, and physical activity practice using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form were recorded. Respiratory function was assessed using forced spirometry and the results were evaluated according to the Global initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the associations between adherence to the MedDiet and physical activity practice with the presence of ventilatory defects. Participants with a high adherence to MedDiet, in comparison to those with low adherence, had both higher forced vital capacity (FVC; 100 (87–109) vs. 94 (82–105) % of predicted, p = 0.003) and forced expired volume in the first second (FEV1; 100 (89–112) vs. 93 (80–107) % of predicted, p < 0.001). According to their degree of physical activity, those subjects with a high adherence also had both higher FVC (100 (88–107) vs. 94 (83–105) % of predicted, p = 0.027) and FEV1 (100 (89–110) vs. 95 (84–108) % of predicted, p = 0.047) in comparison with those with low adherence. The multivariable logistic regression models showed a significant and independent association between both low adherence to MedDiet and low physical activity practice, and the presence of altered pulmonary patterns, with differences between men and women. However, no joint effect between adherence to MedDiet and physical activity practice on respiratory function values was observed. Low adherence to MedDiet and low physical activity practice were independently associated with pulmonary impairment. Therefore, the lung mechanics seem to benefit from heart-healthy lifestyle behaviors.

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Sodium and Potassium Intake in Healthy Adults in Thessaloniki Greater Metropolitan Area—the SING (Salt Intake in Northern Greece) Study

10.20944/preprints201703.0079.v2 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Eleni Vasara ◽

Georgios Marakis ◽

Joao Breda ◽

Petros Skepastianos ◽

Maria Hassapidou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Mediterranean Diet ◽

Metropolitan Area ◽

Salt Intake ◽

Healthy Adults ◽

Potassium Excretion ◽

Northern Greece ◽

Potassium Intake ◽

Salt Consumption ◽

Sodium And Potassium

A reduction in population sodium (as salt) consumption is one of the most cost-effective strategies to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease and it is a global health priority. High potassium intake is also recommended to reduce cardiovascular disease. To establish effective policies for setting targets and monitoring effectiveness within each country, the current level of consumption should be known. Greece lacks data on actual sodium and potassium intakes. The aim of the present study was therefore to assess dietary salt (using sodium as biomarker) and potassium intakes in a sample of healthy adults in northern Greece and to determine whether adherence to a Mediterranean diet is related to different sodium intakes or sodium-to-potassium ratio. A cross-sectional survey was carried out in Thessaloniki greater metropolitan area (northern Greece) (n=252, aged 18-75 years, 45.2% males). Participants’ dietary sodium and potassium intakes were determined by 24h urinary sodium and potassium excretions. In addition, we estimated their adherence to Mediterranean diet by the use of an 11-item MedDietScore (range 0-55). The mean sodium excretion was 175 (SD 72) mmol/day, equivalent to 4,220 (1,745) mg of sodium or 10.7 (4.4) g of salt per day and potassium excretion was 65 (25) mmol/day, equivalent to 3,303 (1,247) mg/day. Men had higher sodium and potassium excretions compared to women. Only 5.6% of the sample had salt intake <5g/d, which is the target intake recommended by the WHO. Mean sodium-to-potassium excretion ratio was 2.82 (1.07). There was no significant difference in salt or potassium intake or their ratio across MedDietScore quartiles. No significant relationships were found between salt intake and adherence to Mediterranean diet, suggesting that the perception of the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet does not hold when referring to salt consumption. These results suggest the need for a larger nation-wide survey on salt intake in Greece and underline the importance of continuation of salt reduction initiatives in Greece.

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Association between 24-h urinary sodium and potassium excretion and blood pressure among Chinese adults aged 18–69 years

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-83049-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Xiaofu Du ◽

Le Fang ◽

Jianwei Xu ◽

Xiangyu Chen ◽

Yamin Bai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Sodium Excretion ◽

Sodium Intake ◽

Urinary Sodium Excretion ◽

Urinary Sodium ◽

Inverse Association ◽

Potassium Excretion ◽

Chinese Adults ◽

Potassium Intake ◽

Sodium And Potassium

AbstractThe direction and magnitude of the association between sodium and potassium excretion and blood pressure (BP) may differ depending on the characteristics of the study participant or the intake assessment method. Our objective was to assess the relationship between BP, hypertension and 24-h urinary sodium and potassium excretion among Chinese adults. A total of 1424 provincially representative Chinese residents aged 18 to 69 years participated in a cross-sectional survey in 2017 that included demographic data, physical measurements and 24-h urine collection. In this study, the average 24-h urinary sodium and potassium excretion and sodium-to-potassium ratio were 3811.4 mg/day, 1449.3 mg/day, and 4.9, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, each 1000 mg difference in 24-h urinary sodium excretion was significantly associated with systolic BP (0.64 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.05–1.24) and diastolic BP (0.45 mm Hg; 95% CI 0.08–0.81), and each 1000 mg difference in 24-h urinary potassium excretion was inversely associated with systolic BP (− 3.07 mm Hg; 95% CI − 4.57 to − 1.57) and diastolic BP (− 0.94 mm Hg; 95% CI − 1.87 to − 0.02). The sodium-to-potassium ratio was significantly associated with systolic BP (0.78 mm Hg; 95% CI 0.42–1.13) and diastolic BP (0.31 mm Hg; 95% CI 0.10–0.53) per 1-unit increase. These associations were mainly driven by the hypertensive group. Those with a sodium intake above about 4900 mg/24 h or with a potassium intake below about 1000 mg/24 h had a higher risk of hypertension. At higher but not lower levels of 24-h urinary sodium excretion, potassium can better blunt the sodium-BP relationship. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of hypertension in the highest quartile compared with the lowest quartile of excretion were 0.54 (95% CI 0.35–0.84) for potassium and 1.71 (95% CI 1.16–2.51) for the sodium-to-potassium ratio, while the corresponding OR for sodium was not significant (OR, 1.28; 95% CI 0.83–1.98). Our results showed that the sodium intake was significantly associated with BP among hypertensive patients and the inverse association between potassium intake and BP was stronger and involved a larger fraction of the population, especially those with a potassium intake below 1000 mg/24 h should probably increase their potassium intake.

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Assessment of Foods Associated with Sodium and Potassium Intake in Japanese Youths Using the Brief-Type Self-Administered Diet History Questionnaire

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13072345 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (7) ◽

pp. 2345

Author(s):

Masayuki Okuda ◽

Satoshi Sasaki

Keyword(s):

Sodium Excretion ◽

Sodium Intake ◽

Molar Ratio ◽

Potassium Excretion ◽

Potassium Intake ◽

Soybean Paste ◽

Diet History Questionnaire ◽

Diet History ◽

8Th Graders ◽

Sodium And Potassium

The identification of sodium and potassium intake in youths is an important step to preventing the increase of blood pressure in childhood. We examined food intake and estimated mineral intake using a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire (BDHQ) to test its validity as a comparison with urinary excretion in Japanese youths. The subjects were 5th and 8th graders (n = 2377), who completed the BDHQ and permitted the use of their overnight urine specimens. Sodium intake was poorly associated with sodium excretion (Rho = 0.048), and the coefficients of dietary potassium and a sodium-to-potassium molar ratio were 0.091–0.130. Higher soybean paste (miso) intake and pickles were significantly associated with higher sodium excretion (p ≤ 0.005). However, these foods were positively associated with potassium excretion (p = 0.002–0.012), and not associated with an excreted sodium-to-potassium ratio. Fruits and dairy products were positively associated (p ≤ 0.048), whereas beverages were negatively associated with potassium excretion (p ≤ 0.004). The association of the sodium-to-potassium ratio was opposite to that of potassium (p ≤ 0.001). The choice of foods, potassium, and the sodium-to-potassium ratio assessed using the BDHQ are available as part of health education for youths, but the assessment of sodium intake in population levels should be carefully conducted.

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Dietary intake and sources of sodium and potassium among Australian schoolchildren: results from the cross-sectional Salt and Other Nutrients in Children (SONIC) study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016639 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (10) ◽

pp. e016639 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Carley A Grimes ◽

Lynn J Riddell ◽

Karen J Campbell ◽

Kelsey Beckford ◽

Janet R Baxter ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Schools ◽

Sodium Intake ◽

Food Sources ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Socioeconomic Background ◽

Processed Meat ◽

Potassium Excretion ◽

Urine Collection ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sodium And Potassium

ObjectivesTo examine sodium and potassium urinary excretion by socioeconomic status (SES), discretionary salt use habits and dietary sources of sodium and potassium in a sample of Australian schoolchildren.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingPrimary schools located in Victoria, Australia.Participants666 of 780 children aged 4–12 years who participated in the Salt and Other Nutrients in Children study returned a complete 24-hour urine collection.Primary and secondary outcome measures24-hour urine collection for the measurement of sodium and potassium excretion and 24-hour dietary recall for the assessment of food sources. Parent and child reported use of discretionary salt. SES defined by parental highest level of education.ResultsParticipants were 9.3 years (95% CI 9.0 to 9.6) of age and 55% were boys. Mean urinary sodium and potassium excretion was 103 (95% CI 99 to 108) mmol/day (salt equivalent 6.1 g/day) and 47 (95% CI 45 to 49) mmol/day, respectively. Mean molar Na:K ratio was 2.4 (95% CI 2.3 to 2.5). 72% of children exceeded the age-specific upper level for sodium intake. After adjustment for age, sex and day of urine collection, children from a low socioeconomic background excreted 10.0 (95% CI 17.8 to 2.1) mmol/day more sodium than those of high socioeconomic background (p=0.04). The major sources of sodium were bread (14.8%), mixed cereal-based dishes (9.9%) and processed meat (8.5%). The major sources of potassium were dairy milk (11.5%), potatoes (7.1%) and fruit/vegetable juice (5.4%). Core foods provided 55.3% of dietary sodium and 75.5% of potassium while discretionary foods provided 44.7% and 24.5%, respectively.ConclusionsFor most children, sodium intake exceeds dietary recommendations and there is some indication that children of lower socioeconomic background have the highest intakes. Children are consuming about two times more sodium than potassium. To improve sodium and potassium intakes in schoolchildren, product reformulation of lower salt core foods combined with strategies that seek to reduce the consumption of discretionary foods are required.

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Sociodemographic and Lifestyle Factors Associated with Adherence to Mediterranean Diet in Representative Adult Population in Casablanca City, Morocco: A Cross-Sectional Study

Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1155/2020/3105271 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Karima Mohtadi ◽

Rajaa Msaad ◽

Najwa Benalioua ◽

Ali Jafri ◽

Hasnaa Meftah ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mediterranean Diet ◽

Adult Population ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Lifestyle Factors ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Dairy Consumption ◽

High Adherence ◽

The Relationship

Several studies had revealed that following the Mediterranean diet (MD) contributes to beneficial health status and a decreased risk of many chronic diseases. The aim of our study was to assess adherence to MD in Casablanca City and to identify the relationship between MD adherence and sociodemographic and lifestyle parameters. This cross-sectional study concerned 719 subjects with complete dietary data. Data collection was performed using a questionnaire including sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. The dietary intake was assessed with the use of a food-frequency questionnaire. The compliance with MD was evaluated with a simplified MD score. Our study showed that high adherence to the MD was characterized by high intakes of vegetables, fruits, pulses, fish, cereals, olive oil, and low meat and dairy consumption according to the Simplified MD score. As regard to the multivariate logistic, being a man, being married, persons with a level of education >6 years, luxurious housing, and consumption of alcohol were associated with a higher adherence to MD, while, the overweight was negatively associated with a higher adherence to MD. Maintaining the traditional MD pattern is crucial for public health; in this way, more research is needed in this area in order to precisely measure these associations.

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The Mediterranean diet and dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH)-style diet are differently associated with lipid profile in a large sample of Iranian adults: a cross-sectional study of Shahedieh cohort

BMC Endocrine Disorders ◽

10.1186/s12902-021-00856-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Monireh Panbehkar-Jouybari ◽

Mehdi Mollahosseini ◽

Amin Salehi-Abargouei ◽

Hossein Fallahzadeh ◽

Masoud Mirzaei ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Mediterranean Diet ◽

Blood Lipids ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

Blood Lipid ◽

Cvd Risk ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Lower Odds ◽

The Mediterranean

Abstract Background The association between the Mediterranean diet (MED) or dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors is well-documented. Nevertheless, a consistent relationship with the Middle East population has yet to be known. Thus, we aimed to investigate the association between DASH/MED and blood lipids in Iranian adults. Methods Four thousand seven hundred forty participants, aged 35–70 years (mean: 50.0) participated in the Shahedieh cohort study in Yazd, Iran, were followed from 2016 until now. Participants provided dietary and blood lipid data through a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and blood samples were taken after a fasted state. We used binary logistic regression to examine the association between DASH/MED scores and blood lipids. Results In the participants who ingested a DASH-like diet the third vs. the first tertile of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, and LDL/HDL (high-density lipoprotein) ratio reduced significantly (P < 0.01). While in the participants who ingested the MED-like diet the HDL level increased significantly( 52.8 ± 12. 3 vs. 51.6 ± 11.6, P < 0.01). In Binary logistic regression, higher adherence to the DASH diet showed 19 % lower odds of high TC level (OR: 0.81; 95 %CI: 0.69–0.95) and 18 % lower odds of high LDL/HDL ratio (OR: 0.82; 95 %CI: 0.70–0.96). Besides, high adherence to the MED diet was associated with lower odds of LDL/HDL ratio (OR: 0.85; 95 %CI: 0.72–0.99). Conclusions Our findings suggest that TC, TG, LDL, LDL/HDL ratio, and HDL improved in participants who ingested a DASH-like diet and the LDL/HDL ratio improved in participants who ingested MED-like diet and, subsequently they might have a protective effect on CVDs risk. Further epidemiological studies are needed to confirm our findings.

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Twenty-Four–Hour Urinary Sodium and Potassium Excretion and Their Associations With Blood Pressure Among Adults in China

Hypertension ◽

10.1161/hypertensionaha.120.15238 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 76 (5) ◽

pp. 1580-1588

Author(s):

Yuan Li ◽

Puhong Zhang ◽

Jing Wu ◽

Jixiang Ma ◽

Jianwei Xu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Sodium Intake ◽

Molar Ratio ◽

Baseline Survey ◽

Potassium Excretion ◽

Unique Identifier ◽

Potassium Intake ◽

Link Type ◽

Unit Increase ◽

Sodium And Potassium

This study aimed to assess current level of sodium and potassium intake and their associations with blood pressure (BP) using the 24-hour urinary data in a large sample of China. Data from participants aged 18 to 75 years were collected as the baseline survey of Action on Salt China in 2018. Of 5454 adults, 5353 completed 24-hour urine collection. The average sodium, potassium excretion, and sodium-to-potassium molar ratio were 4318.1±1814.1 mg/d (equivalent to 11.0±4.6 g/d of salt), 1573.7±627.1 mg/d, and 5.0±2.1, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounding factors and correcting for regression dilution, each 1000-mg increase in sodium excretion was associated with increased systolic BP (1.32 mm Hg [95% CI, 0.92–1.81]) and diastolic BP (0.34 mm Hg [95% CI, 0.09–0.60]). Each 1000-mg increase in potassium excretion was inversely associated with systolic BP (−3.19 mm Hg [95% CI, −4.38 to −2.20]) and diastolic BP (−1.56 mm Hg [95% CI, −2.29 to −0.90]). Each unit increase in sodium-to-potassium molar ratio was associated with an increase of systolic BP by 1.21 mm Hg (95% CI, 0.91–1.60) and diastolic BP by 0.44 mm Hg (95% CI, 0.24–0.64). The relationships between sodium and BP mostly increase with the rise of BP quantiles. Potassium shows the opposite trend. The current sodium intake in Chinese adults remains high and potassium intake is low. Sodium and sodium-to-potassium ratio were positively associated with BP, whereas potassium was inversely associated with BP. Registration— URL: https://tinyurl.com/vdr8rpr ; Unique identifier: ChiCTR1800017553. URL: https://tinyurl.com/w8c7x3w ; Unique identifier: ChiCTR1800016804. URL: https://tinyurl.com/s3ajldw ; Unique identifier: ChiCTR1800018119.

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Abstract P096: Excess Sodium and Inadequate Potassium Dietary Intake by Italian Children and Adolescents: Results of the MINISAL Survey

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.127.suppl_12.ap096 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 127 (suppl_12) ◽

Author(s):

Angelo Campanozzi ◽

Sonia Avallone ◽

Daniela Galeone ◽

Pasquale Strazzullo

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Normal Weight ◽

Potassium Excretion ◽

Sodium Potassium ◽

Creatinine Excretion ◽

Potassium Intake ◽

Study Population ◽

Sodium And Potassium ◽

Age Category

Introduction: The MINISAL survey aimed to assess the age-, gender- and region-specific habitul sodium and potassium intake and its association with relevant anthropometric characteristics in a national sample of Italian healthy children and adolescents referred to centers recognised by the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and Pediatric Nutrition. Methods: The study population included 1422 6 to 18 yrs. old subjects from ten regions. Main anthropometric indexes, blood pressure (BP) and 24h urinary sodium and potassium excretion (as proxy for habitual sodium and potassium intake) were measured using carefully standardised procedures. Potentially incomplete 24h collections were identified and excluded from the analysis based on values of urinary creatinine/Kg body weight and/or a urinary volume below the 5 th percentile of the overall distribution. The analysis was carried out upon stratification by gender (M=788, F=644), puberal age category: <9 yrs, 9-11 yrs. and 5 months, >11 yrs. and 5 mo. (male); < 8 yrs., 8-10 yrs. and 2 mo., > 10 yrs. and 2 mo. (female), and scholar age category: 6-10 yrs., 11-13 yrs. and 14-18 yrs (both male and female participants). The relationships among body weight, sodium, potassium and creatinine excretion were analysed using Z-scores as an index of body mass. Results: The 24h sodium and potassium excretion were higher in male than in female participants (respectively, 130±63 vs 119±56 mmol; p=0.001 and 39±18 vs 37±16 mmol; p=0.003). Upon stratification by puberal age and gender, 24h urinary sodium and potassium excretion were respectively 109±54 and 36±19 mol in category 1, 134±60 and 40±16 in category 2 and 152±69 and 43±17 in category 3 for male subjects (p<0.01); 98±39 and 33±13 in category 1, 105±45 and 34±13 in category 2 and 137±63 and 40±18 mmol in category 3 for female individuals (p<0.05). The expected gender difference in 24h urinary creatinine was observed in all age categories (p<0.05). Male individuals had consistently greater sodium, potassium and creatinine excretion than female individuals (p between <0.001 and <0.05). Upon stratification of the study population in four body weight categories (BMI Z-score <0, 0 to <0,9, 1 to <1,9 and ≥2), 24h sodium excretion was significantly greater in obese compared to normal weight children. 24h potassium excretion was also greater in obese children and adolescents compared with their normal weight counterparts (p=0.002). No significant difference was observed in either sodium or potassium excretion by geographical area. Conclusions: The MINISAL survey indicates a substantial age-, gender- and body mass-related variation with average values of sodium intake definitely high when related to true physiological needs or to the “adequate intakes” defined by the health institutions. By contrast, the habitual potassium intake was relatively low and such to indicate an inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption.

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Sodium and Potassium Content of Foods Consumed in an Italian Population and the Impact of Adherence to a Mediterranean Diet on Their Intake

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13082681 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (8) ◽

pp. 2681

Author(s):

Marcella Malavolti ◽

Androniki Naska ◽

Susan J. Fairweather-Tait ◽

Carlotta Malagoli ◽

Luciano Vescovi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mediterranean Diet ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Sodium Intake ◽

Northern Italy ◽

Potassium Content ◽

Dietary Recommendations ◽

Diet Patterns ◽

Potassium Intake ◽

The Impact ◽

Sodium And Potassium

High sodium and low potassium intakes are associated with increased levels of blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular diseases. Assessment of habitual dietary habits are helpful to evaluate their intake and adherence to healthy dietary recommendations. In this study, we determined sodium and potassium food-specific content and intake in a Northern Italy community, focusing on the role and contribution of adherence to Mediterranean diet patterns. We collected a total of 908 food samples and measured sodium and potassium content using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, we assessed habitual dietary intake of 719 adult individuals of the Emilia-Romagna region. We then estimated sodium and potassium daily intake for each food based on their relative contribution to the overall diet, and their link to Mediterranean diet patterns. The estimated mean sodium intake was 2.15 g/day, while potassium mean intake was 3.37 g/day. The foods contributing most to sodium intake were cereals (33.2%), meat products (24.5%, especially processed meat), and dairy products (13.6%), and for potassium they were meat (17.1%, especially red and white meat), fresh fruits (15.7%), and vegetables (15.1%). Adherence to a Mediterranean diet had little influence on sodium intake, whereas potassium intake was greatly increased in subjects with higher scores, resulting in a lower sodium/potassium ratio. Although we may have underestimated dietary sodium intake by not including discretionary salt use and there may be some degree of exposure misclassification as a result of changes in food sodium content and dietary habits over time, our study provides an overview of the contribution of a wide range of foods to the sodium and potassium intake in a Northern Italy community and of the impact of a Mediterranean diet on intake. The mean sodium intake was above the dietary recommendations for adults of 1.5–2 g/day, whilst potassium intake was only slightly lower than the recommended 3.5 g/day. Our findings suggest that higher adherence to Mediterranean diet patterns has limited effect on restricting sodium intake, but may facilitate a higher potassium intake, thereby aiding the achievement of healthy dietary recommendations.

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