title: The lack of benefit of modest sodium restriction in the institutionalized elderly.
abstract: Modest restriction of sodium intake is commonly prescribed in hypertensive or fluid-retaining states in the elderly. In recent years this intervention is generally adjunctive to pharmacologic therapy. Its utility was tested by comparison of baseline serum urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels, weight, and mean blood pressure with these determinations six months after the daily dietary sodium intake was changed from 2 g to 4 g in 38 institutionalized elderly persons. No difference was discernible. In elderly persons in institutions, where diuretic therapy is common and the validity of diagnoses is not tested daily, the modest restriction of sodium intake may accomplish little more than reducing the palatability of food.
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001806:Blood Urea Nitrogen; D001835:Body Weight; D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood; D004039:Diet, Sodium-Restricted; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D007326:Institutionalization
chemical_list: D003404:Creatinine