title: Measuring population sodium intake: a review of methods.
abstract: Reduction of population sodium intake has been identified as a key initiative for reduction of Non-Communicable Disease. Monitoring of population sodium intake must accompany public health initiatives aimed at sodium reduction. A number of different methods for estimating dietary sodium intake are currently in use. Dietary assessment is time consuming and often under-estimates intake due to under-reporting and difficulties quantifying sodium concentration in recipes, and discretionary salt. Twenty-four hour urinary collection (widely considered to be the most accurate method) is also burdensome and is limited by under-collection and lack of suitable methodology to accurately identify incomplete samples. Spot urine sampling has recently been identified as a convenient and affordable alternative, but remains highly controversial as a means of monitoring population intake. Studies suggest that while spot urinary sodium is a poor predictor of 24-h excretion in individuals, it may provide population estimates adequate for monitoring. Further research is needed into the accuracy and suitability of spot urine collection in different populations as a means of monitoring sodium intake.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Preventive and Social Medicine/Departments of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand. rachael.mclean@otago.ac.nz.
authors.forename: Rachael M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: McLean
mesh_terms: D003404:Creatinine / Q000652:urine; D015930:Diet Records; D006801:Humans; D011939:Mental Recall; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D064167:Recommended Dietary Allowances; D017673:Sodium Chloride, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000652:urine*
chemical_list: D017673:Sodium Chloride, Dietary; D003404:Creatinine