3.6 Sodium Intake in a Sample of Males Working in Campania: Results of the Olivetti Heart Study

Aim. To assess dietary habitual sodium intake, the association between sodium intake and anthropometric indexes, food habits and hypertension in the sample of adult male population participating in the Olivetti Heart Study.

Methods. The data included in the present analysis were collected during the follow up examination visit performed in 2002-2004 on a total of 940 men (age: 59.7 ± 6.7 years, M±DS). The study included anthropometric and haemodynamic measurements, a blood test and a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ, 1- year close-ended, 120 items). Dietary sodium intake was estimated by 24-hour urinary sodium excretion.

Results. 58% of participants were overweight and 17% were obese. The prevalence of hypertension was 70.6% (BP >140 and/or 90 mmHg or current antihypertensive therapy). Urinary sodium excretion was 203.2 mmol/24-hour (median 194.8), urinary volume 1537 ± 485ml and creatinine excretion 1.5 ± 0.4/24-hour. Estimated dietary sodium intake was thus approximately 12 g/day. Urinary sodium excretion was not significantly related to age or blood pressure. In hypertensive participants on regular antihypertensive treatment urinary sodium excretion was slightly and significantly lower (median 188.2 mmol/24-hour) than in subjects patients not on drug therapy (median 201 mmol/24 hour, p<0.05). Sodium excretion was significantly associated with anthropometric indexes of total adiposity (BMI), waist circumference (p<0.01) and with daily intake of salami (p<0.01), pasta (p<0.01) and meat products (p<0.01).

Conclusions. Habitual salt intake in Campania is still very high, averaging about 12 g/day. Sodium intake was higher in participants with overweight and obesity and only slightly lower in hypertensive participants on pharmacological therapy.