Urinary sodium and potassium status of Lebanese school aged children -

Abstract

Sodium (Na) and potassium (K) are major cations in the human body. These electrolytes are responsible for nerve communication and maintenance of total body volume, acid-base balance, and normal cell function. Over consumption of sodium is an worldwide epidemic and it has been linked to increase in hypertension and other comorbidities in adulthood. Primary hypertension is one of the most important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and probably has its onset in the first decades of life. It has been documented in high-income countries as well as in the MENA region the over consumption of sodium in early and later life stages. However, no data is available for Na and K status in Lebanese children. Using a multi-stage cluster sampling at district, school and class levels, a sample size of 1403 school aged 6-10 year old children was selected. Personal information, anthropometric measurements and non-fasting urine samples were collected. Na, K and Creatinine (Cr) urine content were analyzed. Na and K values did not differ (P-value 0.05) between boys and girls. The ratios of Na and K to creatinine (Cr) were 23.9±15.5mM-mM (4.8±3.1 mg-mg) and 11.4±5.8mM-mM (3.97±2.01 mg-mg), respectively, and showed differences (P-value 0.001) between age groups. The Na-K ratio was 2.36±1.67mM-mM (1.39±0.98 mg-mg) and higher than the recommended intakes. The estimated mean Na intake was 125.8±31.5mM-d (2893.8±726.1mg-d) (7.4±1.8 g NaCl-d) and exceeded the upper limit of intake in almost all children. Estimated K intake was 38.6±8.2mM-d (1509.8±321.1 mg-d) and all children failed to meet the recommended daily K intake. About 50percent of children exceeded the recommended daily upper intake for Na, while the majority was below adequate intake of K. This unfavorable Na-K ratio is indicative of potentially negative health effects at later stages in life. Interventions aimed at reducing salt intake and increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables are warranted.