N08023: What do high salt consumers eat? Analysis of food and nutrient patterns to inform risk management strategy in children and adults aged 1.5 to 64 years
Thursday 14 October 2004
This research project will look at the dietary characteristics of high-salt consumers using data from the National Diet and Nutrition Surveys.
Background
The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition's (SACN) Salt and Health Report, published in 2003, concluded that the current habitual salt intake of the UK population raises the risk of high blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of stroke and premature death from cardiovascular disease. SACN recommended a reduction in salt intake for the UK population and provided recommended maximum daily salt intakes for adults and children.
This project will provide detailed information on the food consumption patterns of "high-salt" consumers using data from the National Diet and Nutrition Surveys of adults, young people and children. The results from this project will be used to inform the Agency's work towards reducing the salt intake of the UK population.
Research Approach
Data from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey of adults aged 19 to 64 years, young people aged 4 to 18 years and children aged 1.5 to 4.5 years will be interrogated to characterise high, average and low consumers of sodium, in relation to the types and amounts of foods consumed, sources of sodium, intakes of energy, macronutrients and relevant micronutrients, and background variables.
Multivariate statistical techniques will be used to explore patterns of diet and to identify which dietary patterns best distinguish (or predict) high or low salt consumption. The project will also examine whether the diets of those classified as �low salt consumers� comply with other dietary recommendations.