Sodium to potassium ratio and food choices of U.S. adults (384.7)

The relationship between sodium (Na) and potassium (K) has been studied extensively; however, research is limited on the range of intake of sodium to potassium ratio (Na/K) consumed in the U.S. The purpose of this research was to examine the typical ranges of Na, K, and Na/K and the food choices contributing to Na and K across different ratios. Study sample included nationally representative data for adult (20+yr) males (n=5450) and females (n=5731) participating in What We Eat in America (WWEIA) NHANES 2007-2010. Dietary intake data were obtained from an in-person 24-hour recall collected using the 5-step USDA Automated Multiple-Pass Method. WWEIA Food Categories were used to define food and beverages as consumed. Mean Na/K was 1.5 (0.01) for males and 1.4 (0.01) for females. Fewer than 2% of adults met the recommended Na/K of 0.49 (2300mg Na/4700mg K). Distribution of Na/K at the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile was 0.8, 1.0, 1.4, 1.8, and 2.2, respectively for males; and 0.7, 1.0, 1.3, 1.7 an...