Dietary sodium and potassium intakes: Data from urban CrossMark and rural areas....

Abstract

Objectives: Hypertension is highly prevalent in West African populations. but little data is avaitable on sail and potassium intake in these populations. We assumed in lhis srudy lhat sodium and potassium intake might be high and low, respectively. in the Beninese population in view of the emerging nutritionaJ transition. The aim of this study was to estimate dietary sodium and potassium intakes based on 2 -h urine collections. Met/lOds: We seleeted 420 individuals (ages 25-64 y), representarive of lhe population, from urban and I"llI<I1 areas in Benin. Urine was eolleeted over 24 h. and sodium, potassium. and creatinine were quantified. Blood pressure was measured on the left arm using a validated electronic osci.llometrie monitor. Results: Adequate data WeIe available for 354 participants. Mean dietary intake of socUum and potassium were 4.4 ± 2.1 and 1.8 ± 0.9 g/24 h, respectively. High intake of sodium WolS assoeiated with urban area. age <44 y. administrative occupation, higher ineome. body mass index (BMI) ~25 kg/m2. and a large waist eircumference. High potassium intake was associated with male sex. administrative occupation, BMI ~25 kg/m2, and large waist cironnference. Sodium intake was assodated with high systolic and diastolie blood pressures. (n multivariale analysis, only age <44 y and, marginally, BMI ~25 kg/m2 were associated with high sodium intake. whereas male Sel< and a BMI ~25 kg/m2 were associated with high potassium intake. Conclusion: Large proportions of the population had sodium intake higher. and potassium intake lower. than dietacy recommendations. These results suggest that interventions to reduee salt consumption and promore potassium-rich foods, induding fruits and vegetables. are needed in Benin.