Estimation of Salt Intake by 24 Hours Urinary Sodium Excretion in Normotensive Subjects of Jaipur City, Rajasthan

Abstract

The prevalence of hypertension has increased dramatically in developing countries like India, where marked changes have occurred in food consumption pattern changing to more western along with traditional which also contributes rich amount of sodium in our cuisines. Given the rising burden of hypertension and high salt consumption, the priority intervention of choice for hypertension prevention and control is population-wide salt reduction. Therefore it’s imperative to determine current consumption levels so that appropriate evidence-based preventative public health action can be initiated. Such data is critical in facilitating the development and implementation of an India-specific salt reduction programme. The study was conducted on 30 subjects residing in Jaipur city. Sodium consumption of the subjects was found by using 24 hours urinary sodium excretion, “gold standard” method suggested by WHO/PAHO (2010) and 24 hours dietary recall for three days including one holiday. The findings of the study indicated that the condition is alarming in Jaipur City as subjects are found to be consuming much more of sodium (4474 mg/day in males and 4150.30 mg/day in females) than recommended by WHO, i.e. less than 2300 mg/day. There is an urge need for meaningful strategy to reduce salt intake and it must involve public education and awareness to change the consumption pattern.