Comparison of 24-h Diet Records, 24-h Urine, and Duplicate Diets for Estimating Dietary Intakes of Potassium, Sodium, and Iodine in Children – New Zealand

A study recently published by Peniamina, R et al in Nutrients compared the use of three different diet assessment methods for potassium, sodium and iodine in children in New Zealand. The accuracy of diet records, weighed food records and 24-hour urine samples were compared for a sample of 84 nine to 11 year olds. They found a wide variation for the measured nutrients across the three methods and identified that urinary assessment remains the best method for sodium and iodine intake, while finding that self-reported dietary assessment may be more accurate for potassium intake. Sodium intake was also identified as excessive in this population, with a mean of 2,119 mg/day (by 24-hr urine). Authors concluded that efforts are needed to reduce sodium intake and increase fruit and vegetable intake in this population. To read more, click here.