Sodium intake status in United States and potential reduction modeling: an NHANES 2007–2010 analysis

Limiting dietary sodium intake has been a consistent dietary recommendation. Using NHANES 2007–2010 data, we estimated current sodium intake and modeled the potential impact of a new sodium reduction technology on sodium intake. NHANES 2007–2010 data were used to assess current sodium intake. The National Cancer Institute method was used for usual intake determination. Suggested sodium reductions using SODA‐LO (®) Salt Microspheres ranged from 20% to 30% in 953 foods and usual intakes were modeled by using various reduction factors and levels of market penetration. SAS 9.2, SUDAAN 11, and NHANES survey weights were used in all calculations with assessment across gender and age groups. Current (2007–2010) sodium intake (mg/day) exceeds recommendations across all age gender groups and has not changed during the last decade. However, sodium intake measured as a function of food intake (mg/g food) has decreased significantly during the last decade. Two food categories contribute about 2/3rd of total sodium intake: “Grain Products” and “Meat, Poultry, Fish & Mixtures”. Sodium reduction, with 100% market penetration of the new technology, was estimated to be 230–300 mg/day or 7–9% of intake depending upon age and gender group. Sodium reduction innovations like SODA‐LO (®) Salt Microspheres could contribute to meaningful reductions in sodium intake.