Potassium urinary excretion and dietary intake: a cross-sectional analysis in 8–10 year-old children

Abstract

BackgroundData from studies assessing the intake of potassium, and the concomitant sodium-to-potassium ratio are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate potassium and sodium-to-potassium ratio intake in 8–10 year-old children.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was carried out from January to June 2014 and data from 163 children (81 boys) were included. Potassium intake was estimated by 24-h urine collection and coefficient of creatinine was used to validate completeness of urine collections. Urinary sodium and sodium-to-potassium ratio were also analysed. A 24-h dietary recall was used to provide information on dietary sources of potassium. Height and weight were measured according to international standards.ResultsThe mean urinary potassium excretion was 1701 ± 594 mg/day in boys, and 1682 ± 541 mg/day in girls (p = 0.835); 8.0 % of children met the WHO recommendations for potassium intake. The mean sodium excretion was 2935 ± 1075 mg/day in boys and 2381 ± 1045 mg/day in girls (p <0.001) and urinary sodium-to-potassium ratio was 3.2 ± 1.4 in boys, and 2.5 ± 1.1 in girls (p = 0.002). The mean fruit and vegetable intake was 353.1 ± 232.5 g/day in boys, and 290.8 ± 213.1 g/day in girls (p = 0.101).ConclusionsThis study reported a low compliance of potassium intake recommendations in 8–10 year-old children. Health promotion interventions are needed in order to broaden public awareness of potassium inadequacy and to increase potassium intake.

Sodium and potassium urinary excretion and dietary intake: a cross-sectional analysis in adolescents

“…Similar results were found between Portuguese and other European adolescent girls, except the Spanish (2,888.8 mg/day) ( 38 ). Across the board, sodium excretion was greater in boys than in girls ( 25 , 36 – 39 ), probably due to their higher food intake.…”

“…Portuguese data related to sodium excretion are scarce. A study of Portuguese children aged 10–12 years showed that sodium excretion was 3,072±985 mg/day ( 35 ), while a more recent study with children aged 8–10 years reported that median sodium excretion was 2,737 mg/day in boys and 2,104 mg/day in girls ( 36 ). Comparing our results to those representing other European adolescents, Portuguese adolescent boys seem to have a mean sodium excretion greater than that of Italian (2,967 mg/day) ( 37 ), Spanish (3,270.6 mg/day) ( 38 ), English (i.e.…”

“…The amount of potassium excretion in our study was well below the minimum value recommended by the WHO, but it is comparable with those reported by Geleijnse et al ( 43 ) regarding 233 Dutch children aged 5–17 years, among whom mean potassium excretion was 1,704.3 mg/day and was higher in boys. Among Portuguese children (8–10 years old), mean potassium excretion was 1,701±594 mg/day in boys and 1,682±541 mg/day in girls ( 36 ).…”

Estimation of salt intake and excretion in children in one region of Switzerland: a cross-sectional study

“…In Spain, a study conducted in 2014 with 205 children aged 7-11 years old and using 24-h urine collections showed a salt intake of 7.8 g per day [34]. In Portugal, a study conducted in 2014 among 163 children between 8 and 10 years of age who collected a 24h urine sample showed a salt intake of 6.6 g per day [35]. In Italy, a study included 1424 children between 6 and 18 years of age in Italy who collected a 24h urine sample and found a salt intake of 7.1 g per day [36].…”

Erratum to: Potassium urinary excretion and dietary intake: a cross-sectional analysis in 8–10 year-old children

“…After publication of the original article [ 1 ] we were contacted by the authors asking that the funding information be updated. The updated text should read as:…”