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What determines human sodium intake: policy or physiology?
Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.)
|December 4, 2014
Summary
Human sodium intake is physiologically regulated within a narrow range (2600–4800 mg/d) across diverse populations. Current public health policies assuming otherwise are not supported by scientific evidence.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Public Health Policy
- Physiology
Background:
- U.S. sodium and health policies have historically targeted population-wide intake reductions.
- These policies are based on several assumptions now challenged by recent scientific evidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and address long-standing assumptions underpinning U.S. sodium reduction policies.
- To evaluate the scientific evidence regarding human sodium intake regulation and policy modifiability.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of worldwide surveys assessing sodium intake via 24-hour urinary sodium measurements.
- Review of current published evidence, including randomized controlled trials.
Main Results:
- Human sodium intake is consistently reported across 45 societies and 5 decades within a narrow range of approximately 2600–4800 mg/d.
- This intake range is independent of the food supply, verifiable in trials, and aligns with physiological regulators.
- Sodium intake is not substantially modifiable by public policy interventions.
Conclusions:
- Human sodium intake is primarily controlled by physiological mechanisms.
- Public health policies aimed at significantly reducing population-wide sodium intake are unlikely to be effective.
- Current assumptions regarding excessive sodium intake and the benefits of lower intake require re-evaluation based on physiological evidence.
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