Open AccessAssessment of Sodium Knowledge and Urinary Sodium Excretion among Regions of the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study
Author(s) -
Amjad H. Jarrar,
Lily Stojanovska,
Vasso Apostolopoulos,
Leila Cheikh Ismail,
Jack Feehan,
Eric O. Ohuma,
Ala Z Ahmad,
Asma A Alnoaimi,
Latifa S Al Khaili,
Najah H Allowch,
Fatima T. Al Meqbaali,
Usama Souka,
Ayesha S. Al Dhaheri
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
nutrients
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.418
H-Index - 115
ISSN - 2072-6643
DOI - 10.3390/nu12092747
Subject(s) - medicine , environmental health , sodium , population , potassium , cross sectional study , obesity , organic chemistry , pathology , chemistry
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes, are increasing worldwide and cause 65% to 78% of deaths in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). A random sample of 477 healthy adults were recruited in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the period March-June 2015. Demographic, lifestyle, medical, anthropometric and sodium excretion data were collected. A questionnaire was used to measure knowledge, attitude and practice regarding salt. Mean sodium and potassium excretion were 2713.4 ± 713 mg/day and 1803 ± 618 mg/day, respectively, significantly higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for sodium (2300 mg/day) and lower for potassium (3150 mg/day). Two-thirds (67.4%) exceeded sodium guidelines, with males 2.6 times more likely to consume excessively. The majority of the participants add salt during cooking (82.5%) and whilst eating (66%), and 75% identified processed food as high source of salt. Most (69.1%) were aware that excessive salt could cause disease. Most of the UAE population consumes excess sodium and insufficient potassium, likely increasing the risk of NCDs. Despite most participants being aware that high salt intake is associated with adverse health outcomes, this did not translate into salt reduction action. Low-sodium, high-potassium dietary interventions such as the Mediterranean diet are vital in reducing the impact of NCDs in the UAE.