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Measuring Children's Sodium and Potassium Intakes in NZ: A Pilot Study
Helen Eyles1,2, Neela Bhana3, Sang Eun Lee4
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand. h.eyles@auckland.ac.nz.
Nutrients
|September 12, 2018
Summary
Childhood sodium and potassium intake impacts future blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk. This study piloted methods for assessing these in 27 New Zealand children, finding high sodium and low potassium intakes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Cardiovascular Health
- Dietary Assessment Methods
Background:
- Low sodium and high potassium intake in childhood are crucial for preventing future blood pressure (BP) rises and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
- Dietary habits established in childhood significantly influence long-term health outcomes.
- Understanding children's sodium and potassium intake is vital for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To pilot the feasibility of collecting 24-hour urine samples and diet recalls for assessing sodium and potassium intake in children.
- To identify major food sources of sodium and potassium in 8-11 year old children.
- To establish baseline data on sodium and potassium intake, BP, and sodium-to-potassium ratio in a pediatric cohort.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 27 children aged 8-11 years at a New Zealand primary school.
- Collection of 24-hour urine samples (assessed for sodium and potassium content) and interviewer-assisted 24-hour diet recalls using Intake24 software.
- Measurement of blood pressure (BP) and calculation of the sodium-to-potassium molar ratio.
Main Results:
- Median sodium intake was 2191 mg/day, and potassium intake was 1776 mg/day.
- The median sodium-to-potassium molar ratio was 2.0.
- Major sodium sources included bread, pies, and pastries; major potassium sources were sauces, dairy, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Conclusions:
- The study demonstrated the feasibility of collecting dietary and urine data in children, although improvements are needed for sample completeness.
- Findings suggest a need for further investigation into children's dietary sodium and potassium intake in New Zealand.
- Results provide a basis for developing targeted interventions to improve childhood diet for long-term cardiovascular health.