Revised Reference Values for the Intake of Sodium and Chloride

Abstract

Background: In January 2017, the nutrition societies of ­Germany, Austria and Switzerland revised the reference values for sodium and chloride intake. Methods: For adults, the estimated value for sodium intake was derived on the basis of a balance study. The estimated values for children and adolescents were extrapolated from this estimated value considering differences in body mass. For infants aged 0 to under 4 months, an estimated value was set based on the sodium intake via breast milk. From this value the estimated value for infants aged 4 to under 12 months was also derived by extrapolation. The estimated value for lactating women takes into account the fact that the sodium loss via breast milk is compensated through homoeostatic mechanisms. Except for infants, the reference values for chloride intake were derived based on the estimated values for sodium intake. Results: For adults, pregnant and lactating women, the estimated values for sodium and chloride intake are set at 1,500 and 2,300 mg/day. Discussion and Conclusion: Reference values for sodium and chloride can be derived in terms of estimated values. Considering dietary recommendations for sodium and chloride, it must be taken into account that high intake of sodium chloride (salt) is associated with adverse health effects, for example, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to lower salt intake in the general population.

Dietary reference values for sodium

“…The German‐speaking countries (D–A–CH, ; Strohm et al., ) based their DRVs on data from the balance study by Allsopp et al. () in which male subjects achieved a positive sodium balance with sodium intake of 1.5 g/day after 8 days, under conditions of moderate physical activity and heat exposure.…”

The Revised D‐A‐CH‐Reference Values for the Intake of Vitamin B12: Prevention of Deficiency and Beyond

“…[1] Reference values for nutrient intake are amounts that are assumed to r protect nearly all healthy individuals in a population from deficiency-related conditions r ensure optimal physiological and psychological performance, and r create a certain body reserve. [2] Since 2012, the D-A-CH nutrition societies have published revised reference values for the intake of several nutrients [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] but not yet for vitamin B 12 . The last update of the reference values for vitamin B 12 given by the D-A-CH nutrition societies dates to a 2000 report.…”

“…Since 2012, the D‐A‐CH nutrition societies have published revised reference values for the intake of several nutrients but not yet for vitamin B 12 . The last update of the reference values for vitamin B 12 given by the D‐A‐CH nutrition societies dates to a 2000 report .…”

Salt/Sodium Intake Estimation in Children and Adolescents of Costa Rica

“…Their reference values are based on the collected values for adults and taking into consideration the differences in body weight and growth factors. As reported by the Institute of Medicine [6], these factors are calculated according to the proportional increase in the protein requirement for growth and maintenance [7].…”

“…The study by Strohm et al (2018) [7] estimated the values for sodium intake in children and teenagers based on the reference values proposed by the German Nutrition Society, the Austrian Nutrition Society and the Swiss Nutrition Society [8]. The results of this investigation [7] reported between 400 mg sodium/day and 1500 mg/day (for teenagers from 15 years old and under 19 years old).…”