Men exhibit higher nutrient intake compared to women
Study finds consuming excessive salt can cause hypertension, heart
disease
"The high salt and low potassium intake point to the need to
develop interventions targeted at individuals and societies,” said Professor
Vivekanand Jha, Executive Director of the institute and a neurologist.
Intake of nutrients necessary for good cardiovascular and kidney health is suboptimal among the population in North India, according to a new study, which has shown excessive salt consumption exceeding recommended levels, inadequate potassium intake, and protein consumption below the recommended dietary allowance.
The results of the study conducted by researchers of the George Institute for Global Health India, in collaboration with the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh, emphasised on the need for personalised changes in diet to reduce the risks of common Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
The study focuses on the intake of sodium, potassium, phosphorus and protein which have an impact on the risk of developing non-communicable diseases like hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease-fast-growing health challenges in the country.
The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, involved over 400 adult participants encompassing healthy adults and those with early-stage chronic kidney disease. It utilised a 24-hour urinary excretion analysis to assess nutrient intake. This method is considered more accurate than dietary recall because it is less prone to errors related to memory or estimation of portion sizes. The steps have been taken to ensure the urine samples’ reliability for analysis.
Excessive salt consumption and inadequate potassium intake are
both seen to increase the risk of development of hypertension, cardiovascular
disease, and chronic kidney disease. Men exhibited higher nutrient intake
compared to women.
“A poor nutritious diet is a major risk element for NCD, which are
of considerable public health concern. In India, people consume different
foods. So it is important to know exactly what nutrients they are getting to
help prevent and manage these diseases. The high salt and low potassium intake
point to the need to develop interventions targeted at individuals and
societies,” said Professor Vivekanand Jha, Executive Director of the institute
and a neurologist.
The study also emphasises the importance of accurate dietary assessments to provide personalised advice and develop effective policies.
Emphasising the urgency for public awareness campaigns, individual counselling, and food policy reforms, Jha further said, “The study shows that it is important to have dietary guidelines that are specific to the local areas. We need to take action to fix imbalances in nutrients and encourage people to eat more healthily by increasing diversity.”
To lower the risks of NCDs, researchers suggested multifaceted strategies, including providing better information on food labels so people can make healthier choices, reducing salt in processed foods, and encouraging people to eat more fruits and vegetables rich in potassium.
The study also shows how to take proactive steps to fight NCDs, fostering a healthier future for North Indian communities.
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