The 24h urine sodium and potassium in adult Italian Health Examination Survey 2023-24-CUORE Project

Abstract Introduction Reducing sodium intake is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce the burden of NCDs. WHO recommends a 30% relative reduction in mean population intake of sodium within 2025 (baseline 2010) and an adequate potassium intake. In Italy, the Ministry of Health - CCM has strengthened prevention/health promotion and financed national health examination surveys (HESs) conducted within the CUORE Project to assess the habitual salt and potassium intake in the general adult population. Methods In 2023-2024, a 24-h urine sodium and potassium excretion assessment within a new HES started. Up to now, data from random samples of residents in 13 Regions (of 20 regions) distributed in North, Centre and South of Italy are available (1231 men, 1233 women, aged 35-74 years). Urinary excretion is assayed by a central lab. Persons with urinary volume <500 ml and/or a urinary creatinine content referred to body weight outside the range of population mean ± 2 standard deviations are excluded. Statistics were standardized by Italian 2024 age-sex distribution. Results Mean level of salt per day was 9.3 g (95% CI: 8.9-9.7 g) in men and 7.2 g (6.8-7.5 g) in women, and mean level of potassium per day was 2.9 g (2.8-3.0 g) and 2.5 g (2.4-2.6 g) respectively. A salt intake level within the WHO recommended level (<5 g/day) was detected in 9.2% (5.9-12.4%) of men and 23.7% (19.0-28.5%) of women and, an WHO recommended adequate potassium intake (≥3,510 mg/day) was detected in 24.0% (19.2-28.7%) of men and 10.8% (7.3-14.3%) of women. Conclusions In Italian adults the salt intake mean level is still higher and the mean potassium intake level is still lower than recommended. Compared to 2008, the habitual salt intake decreased of about 12% in 2018 and remained stable in 2023/2024; the habitual potassium intake remained stable in 2008, 2018 and 2023. These results justify and encourage the ongoing preventive initiatives of MoH, facilitating the meeting of WHO targets. Key messages • The average salt intake is still higher than recommended and the habitual salt intake decreased compared to 15 years ago. • The average potassium intake in Italian adults is still lower than recommended and remained stable compared to 15 years ago.