High sodium and low potassium intakes in Kazakhstan using 24-h urinary sodium excretion

Published in the European Journal of Nutrition, Trieu et al analysed the data from two cross sectional surveys that collected 24-h urine samples from participants aged 25-64 years to estimate mean sodium and potassium intake and describe dietary knowledge and behaviour among adults in two different regions of Kazakhstan. The study found the weighted mean 24-h sodium excretion was 6,782 mg/day (17.2 g salt) in both regions combined, which is more than triple the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended maximum of 2000mg sodium/day. Furthermore, while almost all adults (99%) consumed excess sodium, only 15% of adults perceived that their own salt intake was above the recommended levels. The study also found that mean potassium consumption was below the recommended minimum. Read more here.