Trends in the major dish groups and food groups contributing to sodium intake in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1998-2010

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to evaluate trends in the sources of dietary sodium intake in a representative Korean population in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) conducted in 1998, 2001, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. The study consisted of 53,570 men and women aged 7 years or older participating in the KNHANES during the corresponding years. Overall sodium intake and the mean percent contribution of each dish and food group to dietary sodium intake across 1998-2010 were calculated. The means of sodium intake ranged between 4,572.6-5,498.9 mg/d across 1998-2010. The major dish groups contributing to dietary sodium intake were kimchi (1,154.8-1,521.2 mg/d), noodles and dumplings (505.3-760.5 mg/d), soups (465.3-714.8 mg/d), and stews and casseroles (387.0-579.8 mg/d). The combined mean percent contribution from the top four dish groups contributing to dietary sodium intake showed a slight decrease over the period; 64.4% in 1998, 64.5% in 2001, 59.3% in 2005, 58.2% in 2007, 56.3% in 2008, 56.7% in 2009, and 54.4% in 2010. The major food groups contributing to dietary sodium intake were seasonings (1,852.9-2,435.9 mg/d), vegetables (1,425.6-1,792.1 mg/d), grains (482.2-778.1 mg/d), and fish and shellfish (257.2-351.4 mg/d). In addition, the combined mean percent contribution from the top four food groups showed a slight decrease over the period; 92.8% in 1998, 93.2% in 2001, 93.8% in 2005, 92.1% in 2007, 91.7% in 2008, 90.9% in 2009, and 90.7% in 2010. In summary, we did not observe a reduction in dietary sodium intake over time, however, the percent contributions from the top major dish groups or food groups to dietary sodium intake showed a decrease over the last decade.