Salt intake was higher among males and those with high BMI and waist circumference: introduction to the Malaysian Community Salt Survey (MyCoSS), a population-based salt intake survey in Malaysia

Abstract

Background Recognising that excessive dietary salt intake is associated with high blood pressure and adverse cardiovascular health, the Ministry of Health Malaysia conducted the Malaysian Community Salt Survey (MyCoSS) among Malaysian adults. This paper introduced MyCoSS projects and presented findings on the salt intake of the Malaysian adult population. Methods MyCoSS was a nationally representative survey, designed to provide valuable data on dietary salt intake, sources of salt in the diet, and knowledge, perception, and practice about salt among Malaysian adults. It was a cross-sectional household survey, covering Malaysian citizens of 18 years old and above. Multi-stage-stratified sampling was used to warrant national representativeness. Sample size was calculated on all objectives studied, and the biggest sample size was derived from the knowledge on the effect of high salt on health (1300 participants). Salt intake was estimated using a single 24-h urine collection and its sources from a food frequency questionnaire. Knowledge, attitude, and practice were determined from a pre-tested questionnaire. All questionnaires were fully administered by trained interviewers using mobile devices. Anthropometric indices (weight, height, and waist circumference) and blood pressure were measured using a standardised protocol. Ethical approvals were obtained from the Medical Research Ethics Committee, Ministry of Health Malaysia, and Queen Mary University of London prior to conducting the survey. Results Findings showed that the average sodium intake of Malaysian adults (3167 mg/day) was higher than the WHO recommendation of 2000 mg/day. Daily intake was significantly higher among males and individuals with higher BMI and higher waist circumference. Conclusion Salt intake in the Malaysian population was higher than the WHO recommendation. MyCoSS’s findings will be used for the development and implementation of national salt reduction policy. A successful implementation of a national salt reduction programme in Malaysia will benefit the whole population.

Association of Glycemic Control With Different Diets Followed by Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Findings From Qatar Biobank Data

“…Moreover, research done to investigate the relationship between urinary sodium and obesity indices found that greater urinary sodium excretion was associated with higher waist circumference besides other obesity markers ( 24 ). All the results confirmed the presence of a positive correlation between salt consumption and increasing waist circumference ( 22 – 24 ). Additionally, the present study showed an increase in the risk of poor glycemic control for patients, who were following a low-salt diet.…”

“…According to a survey that was done in Malaysia on Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above, the authors showed that sodium intake was higher among male participants with a higher waist circumference ( 22 ). Another study conducted to estimate the relationship between sodium intake and obesity revealed that sodium consumption was significantly associated with a larger waist circumference and greater BMI ( 23 ).…”

Factors Associated with the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Women of Childbearing Age in A Selected Community in Malaysia

“…On average, women in this study exceeded the waist circumference recommendation of ≥80 cm, which was comparable with a previous local study, in which the women had a mean waist circumference of 88.6 cm (Ambak et al, 2021). An increased waist circumference (>80 cm for women) could indicate abdominal obesity or visceral adiposity (Després, 2012).…”

Urinary Concentrations of Metals and Metalloids in Malaysian Adults

“…Urine samples were obtained from approved project entitled "Populationbased Salt Intake Survey to Support the National Salt Reduction Programme for Malaysia (Malaysian Community Salt Study-MyCoSS)". Since this study is an extension of the MyCoSS study, study design, sample size, sample collection, study instrument and other related parameters adhered to the MyCoSS study (Ambak et al 2021).…”

“…Only one participant was selected from a living quarter. If there were more than one eligible participant, selection was made using a modified Kish Table (Ambak et al 2021).…”