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BMC Pediatrics
Published in: BMC Pediatrics 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research article

Potassium urinary excretion and dietary intake: a cross-sectional analysis in 8–10 year-old children

Authors: Ana Catarina Oliveira, Patrícia Padrão, André Moreira, Mariana Pinto, Mafalda Neto, Tânia Santos, Joana Madureira, Eduardo de Oliveira Fernandes, Pedro Graça, João Breda, Pedro Moreira

Published in: BMC Pediatrics | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Background

Data from studies assessing the intake of potassium, and the concomitant sodium-to-potassium ratio are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate potassium and sodium-to-potassium ratio intake in 8–10 year-old children.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was carried out from January to June 2014 and data from 163 children (81 boys) were included. Potassium intake was estimated by 24-h urine collection and coefficient of creatinine was used to validate completeness of urine collections. Urinary sodium and sodium-to-potassium ratio were also analysed. A 24-h dietary recall was used to provide information on dietary sources of potassium. Height and weight were measured according to international standards.

Results

The mean urinary potassium excretion was 1701 ± 594 mg/day in boys, and 1682 ± 541 mg/day in girls (p = 0.835); 8.0 % of children met the WHO recommendations for potassium intake. The mean sodium excretion was 2935 ± 1075 mg/day in boys and 2381 ± 1045 mg/day in girls (p <0.001) and urinary sodium-to-potassium ratio was 3.2 ± 1.4 in boys, and 2.5 ± 1.1 in girls (p = 0.002). The mean fruit and vegetable intake was 353.1 ± 232.5 g/day in boys, and 290.8 ± 213.1 g/day in girls (p = 0.101).

Conclusions

This study reported a low compliance of potassium intake recommendations in 8–10 year-old children. Health promotion interventions are needed in order to broaden public awareness of potassium inadequacy and to increase potassium intake.
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Metadata
Title
Potassium urinary excretion and dietary intake: a cross-sectional analysis in 8–10 year-old children
Authors
Ana Catarina Oliveira
Patrícia Padrão
André Moreira
Mariana Pinto
Mafalda Neto
Tânia Santos
Joana Madureira
Eduardo de Oliveira Fernandes
Pedro Graça
João Breda
Pedro Moreira
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Pediatrics / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2431
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-015-0374-z

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