A study of the intake of sodium and potassium in a selected population-sample of males and females in Ireland

Twenty-four hour urine samples from 70 male and 62 female selected residents of Cork City, Ireland (aged 19-60 years) were analysed for sodium, potassium and creatinine content. Self-reporting and the creatinine index were used to assess 24 h urine sample completeness. Of the total 132 urine collections, 94 were adjudged complete. The average 24 h excretion of Na and K in complete collections was 166 mmol and 79 mmol for males (n=46) and 134 mmol and 61 mmol for females (n=48), respectively. These data suggest that the average salt intake of this group of Irish adults (∼9 g/day) is lower than the estimate of 12 g/day which has been used as a basis for recommending reduced salt intake.