Daily Sodium Intake Based on Random Urinary Excretion in Children Aged 6-24 Months and Associated Risk Factors

Excessive sodium intake in children can increase the risk of noncommunicable diseases in adulthood. Globally, children below 5 years of age consume approximately 2,000 mg of sodium daily, exceeding the recommended limit. However, studies on sodium intake among Indonesian children, especially those below 2 years of age, are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate daily sodium intake and its associated risk factors.

In this cross-sectional study, the daily sodium intake and its associated risk factors were assessed in 85 healthy children aged 6-24 months in Jakarta between June and August 2024. Sodium intake was measured using urinary excretion (International Study on Salt and Blood Pressure formula), and dietary analysis was conducted using the Food Frequency Questionnaire. High sodium intake was defined per the Indonesian Pediatric Society guidelines.

Results showed that 64% of children aged 6-11 months consumed over 1,200 mg/day of sodium (mean: 1,289.20±639.25), while 37% of children aged 12-24 months had high sodium intake (mean: 1,242.03±584.35). Family socioeconomic status significantly correlated with high sodium intake (r=0.176). Specific food types were identified as risk factors for excessive sodium consumption. In this study, it was concluded that almost all children aged 6-24 months had sodium levels above the recommended levels. Notably, all children aged 6-11 months had a higher sodium intake than approximately one-third of children aged 12-24 months.

These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to reduce sodium intake among young children, especially among families with higher socioeconomic status.