(P22-094-20) Dietary Sources and Sodium/Salt Intake in Youngsters of Costa Rica

Objectives: To describe major dietary sources of sodium/salt and estimate its intake among children and adolescents of Costa Rica.

Methods: Cross-sectional study of a nationally representative sample of 2677 youngsters aged 7 to 18 years who completed an intake food frequency.  Wald F and t tests were used to examine differences between groups.

Results: Average daily sodium intake was highest among adolescents aged 12 to 18 years (3 965 ± 920 mg). The lowest average daily sodium intake was particularly among girls under 12 years of age (2 999 ± 94 mg).  Twelve food categories contributed to more than half (58%) of Costa Rican youngsters sodium/salt which include: pizza, snacks, hamburger, hot dog, sausage, soups, puff pastry snacks, cheese, fried chicken, sauces/dressings, salted seeds and popcorn.

Conclusions: Costa Rican youngsters consume almost more than twice of recommended dietary sodium/salt, increasing their risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases.

Funding Sources: None