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Understanding the patterns and trends of potassium intake and sodium/potassium ratio in China, 1991–2009
Author(s) -
Du Shufa,
Neiman Andrea,
Wang Huijun,
Zhang Bing,
Popkin Barry M
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.378.4
Subject(s) - potassium , medicine , sodium , population , china , environmental health , demography , chemistry , geography , organic chemistry , archaeology , sociology
While recent studies reported an association between the sodium/potassium ratio (Na/K) and mortality from cardiovascular diseases and all‐cause mortality, little is known about patterns and trends of potassium intake and Na/K. Data was used from the China Health and Nutrition Survey, an ongoing open cohort study initiated in 1989 and followed up through 2009 of 16,869 adults aged 20–60 y. Detailed dietary data was collected in three consecutive 24–h records with weighing schemes. Multinomial logit model was used to determine trends and patterns of Na/K. Potassium intake was 1.9 g/day in 2009, an increase from 1.5 g/day in 1991. Na/K was 2.8 in 2009, a decrease from 4.8 in 1991. <0.3% of those surveyed met adequate intake (AI) of potassium as recommended by Institute of Medicine, while >60% met the AI as recommended by China. 6% had Na/K reached the level recommended by WHO. Na/K was the highest in central China, where the increased prevalence of hypertension was more rapid as compared to the north and south. The population of central China, low income, and low educational attainment were least likely to consume Na/K at recommended level. Unlike current thinking, adults in central China have the highest Na/K intake and greater increase in hypertension. Replacing sodium with potassium in salt to control and prevent hypertension in China should be considered among other public health and clinical prevention options.