Sodium intake in Germany

Abstract

For many years, a high sodium intake has been discussed as a potential risk factor in the development of hypertension and, consequently, cardiovascular diseases. As part of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS1), which was conducted between 2008 and 2011, sodium excretion in casual urine samples was used as a biomarker to measure sodium intake. DEGS1 observed that the median daily sodium intake of women (3.4 g) as well as men (4.0 g) exceeds the levels recommended by German and international organisations. Among other factors, men’s higher sodium intake could be explained by their higher energy intake. In addition, DEGS1 demonstrates an association between women’s sodium intake and age; however, no equivalent correlation was identified for men. Furthermore, although high socio-economic status is associated with lower sodium intake in men, no comparable correlation was observed among women.