Top 5 Takeaways

1. High Sodium Intake Prevalence: During 2003–2016, ≥86% of U.S. adults consumed sodium above the Chronic Disease Risk Reduction (CDRR) intake of 2,300 mg/day.
2. Unadjusted Sodium Intake Trends: No significant linear trend was observed in unadjusted mean usual sodium intake among U.S. adults from 2003 to 2016.
3. Energy-Adjusted Sodium Intake: Significant changes in sodium intake were observed only after adjusting for energy intake, particularly among adults aged ≥71 years and Mexican American adults.
4. Public Health Implications: Many U.S. adults are at risk for chronic diseases due to high sodium intake, highlighting the need for efforts to reduce sodium consumption to improve cardiovascular health.
5. FDA Guidance: The FDA’s recent guidance aims to reduce sodium in processed, packaged, and prepared foods to help lower population sodium intake.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Lasha S. Clarke, ksg4@cdc.gov

Suggested Citation

Clarke LS, Overwyk K, Bates M, Park S, Gillespie C, Cogswell ME. Temporal Trends in Dietary Sodium Intake Among Adults Aged ≥19 Years — United States, 2003–2016. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:1478–1482. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7042a4

Summary

This report analyzes data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2003 to 2016 to examine trends in sodium intake among U.S. adults aged ≥19 years. The study found that a significant majority of adults consistently consumed sodium above the CDRR intake level of 2,300 mg/day. While no significant linear trend was observed in unadjusted sodium intake, energy-adjusted analyses revealed significant changes in certain subgroups. The findings underscore the public health need to reduce sodium intake to mitigate chronic disease risks.

Methods

The study used data from seven NHANES cycles (2003–2016) involving U.S. adults aged ≥19 years with valid dietary data. The analysis included 36,232 participants after excluding those with incomplete or missing dietary recall data. Sodium intake was estimated using the National Cancer Institute method and adjusted for energy intake using the residual method. Statistical analyses were conducted using SAS-callable SUDAAN, treating survey cycle as a continuous variable in linear regression models.

Discussion

The report highlights that most U.S. adults consume sodium above the CDRR intake, posing a risk for chronic diseases. Although unadjusted sodium intake showed no significant trends, energy-adjusted analyses indicated declines among adults aged ≥71 years and increases among Mexican American adults. The findings suggest that changes in energy intake over time may influence sodium consumption trends. The recent FDA guidance on sodium reduction in processed foods is a critical step towards improving population health.

Conclusion

Efforts to reduce sodium intake are essential for lowering chronic disease risk among U.S. adults. The study supports national strategies and FDA guidance aimed at decreasing sodium consumption to improve cardiovascular health. Continued monitoring and targeted interventions are necessary to achieve these public health goals.

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