Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 23, 2026
09:17
Psychophysical Tracking Method to Measure Taste Preferences in Children and Adults
Published on: July 16, 2016
Sodium intake trends and food choices
A Engstrom1, R C Tobelmann, A M Albertson
1Nutrition Department, General Mills Inc, Minneapolis, MN 55440, USA.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|February 1, 1997
Summary
Overall sodium consumption has declined since the early 1980s, with meats and mixed dishes being major sources. The food industry should offer reduced-sodium options to address consumer concerns.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Dietary Intake Studies
Background:
- General Mills Inc. has monitored nutrient intake in American households since 1980.
- Previous research indicates significant shifts in dietary patterns over time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine trends in sodium consumption and identify primary food sources.
- To understand the impact of public health initiatives and labeling changes on sodium intake.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from nationally representative samples of 4000 American households (approx. 10,000 individuals).
- Calculation of discretionary and nondiscretionary sodium intake estimates.
- Examination of shifts in food sources contributing to sodium consumption over a 10-year period.
Main Results:
- Overall sodium consumption has decreased since the early 1980s.
- Meats and mixed dishes were identified as the largest contributors to dietary sodium.
- Significant shifts in the food sources of sodium were observed during the study period.
Conclusions:
- Dietary sodium intake has declined, but specific food sources remain dominant.
- Increased consumer awareness and industry efforts are crucial for further sodium reduction.
- Developing sodium chloride taste alternatives is essential for long-term dietary changes.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Current Trends in Nursing II
Trends in nursing are multifactorial and associated with changes in society, within the nursing profession, and in other professions. Notably, telehealth and remote nursing contribute to successful healthcare delivery for numerous patients and help reduce stress for nurses due to nursing shortages. Nurses can reach patients, monitor their conditions, and interact with them using computers, audio, visual accessories, and telephones—for example, remote patient monitoring systems. Likewise,...
01:30Regulation of Food Intake
Short-term regulation of food intake primarily involves neural signals from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, blood nutrient levels, and GI tract hormones. Communication between the gut and brain via vagal nerve fibers plays a significant role in evaluating the contents of the gut. Clinical studies have shown that protein ingestion produces a more prolonged response in these nerve fibers compared to an equivalent amount of glucose. Additionally, the activation of stretch receptors caused by GI...
01:25Regulation of Water Intake
Osmolality refers to the number of solute particles per kilogram of solvent in a solution. Plasma osmolality specifically indicates the total number of solute particles per kilogram of water in blood plasma. This value reflects the body's hydration status and is tightly regulated through mechanisms controlling water intake and output. While water consumption is a conscious decision, the body has intrinsic regulatory systems to maintain fluid balance. Dehydration, a state of water deficit...
01:26Regulation of Sodium and Potassium
The regulation of sodium and potassium ion concentrations in the human body is a complex process governed primarily by hormones such as aldosterone, antidiuretic hormone (ADH), and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP).
Sodium Regulation
Sodium ions make up approximately 90% of extracellular cations, with a normal blood plasma concentration of 136–148 mEq/L. A decrease in blood volume and pressure triggers the release of renin from granular cells in the juxtaglomerular complex (JGC), primarily in...
Sodium Regulation
Sodium ions make up approximately 90% of extracellular cations, with a normal blood plasma concentration of 136–148 mEq/L. A decrease in blood volume and pressure triggers the release of renin from granular cells in the juxtaglomerular complex (JGC), primarily in...
01:27Urinary Tract Calculi IV: Nutrition Therapy and Prevention
Management of renal calculi focuses on effective strategies like tailored nutrition and hydration therapy. Adjusting diet and fluid intake reduces stone formation and recurrence, making these interventions simple yet powerful in kidney stone prevention and management.Understanding Kidney StonesKidney stones form when calcium, oxalate, uric acid, and cystine concentrate and crystallize in urine. Factors contributing to their formation include genetic predisposition, certain medical conditions,...
01:28Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires collaborative and comprehensive management. CKD progresses through stages and can lead to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) if untreated. Interprofessional collaboration and patient education are crucial, enabling patients to manage their health and improve their quality of life.Diagnostic approach for chronic kidney diseaseThe diagnosis of CKD primarily focuses on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses kidney function by measuring how well...