A simplified inventory method for quantitating dietary sodium, potassium, and energy

Area of Science:

• Human Nutrition
• Clinical Research
• Dietary Assessment

Background:

• Electrolyte balance is crucial for physiological function.
• Dietary sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) intake significantly influence electrolyte homeostasis.
• Accurate dietary assessment methods are needed for metabolic studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of potassium (K+) supplementation on sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) balance in young adults.
• To develop and validate a Food Inventory for monitoring dietary Na+, K+, and energy intake.
• To assess racial and sex differences in electrolyte balance and intake.

Main Methods:

• An 8-day metabolic study involving 14 young adults with K+ supplementation (80 mEq).
• Development and self-administration of a 10-category Food Inventory for dietary intake quantification.
• Measurement of urinary and fecal electrolyte output for balance assessment.

Main Results:

• White males had higher energy intake; males had higher Na+ intake and Na+/kcal ratio.
• K+ supplementation resulted in negative Na+ balance and increased natriuresis, more pronounced in Black participants.
• Positive K+ balance was observed with supplementation, especially in Black participants; intake correlated positively with output for both electrolytes.

Conclusions:

• Dietary K+ supplementation significantly impacts Na+ and K+ balance, with variations observed between racial groups.
• The developed Food Inventory is an effective tool for quantifying dietary electrolytes and energy in research settings.
• Findings underscore the importance of dietary electrolyte assessment in understanding human metabolic responses.