Introduction:

one of the changes in diet is related to its content of sodium (Na) and potassium (K). Greater use of condiments and processed foods contributes to these changes and the Na/K ratio can be used as a marker of this consumption.

Objective:

to evaluate the association between Na/K ratio and consumption of industrialized condiments and ultra-processed foods.

Methods:

a sample of 150 adults underwent an anthropometric examination and answered the questionnaire on life habits, diet and health. Consumption of Na, K and salt was estimated by urinary excretion of 24 hours. Ultraprocessed consumption was estimated by 24-hour food registration. Na/K ratio divided into tertiles. Associations between ultraprocessed foods, use of industrialized condiments and Na/K ratio were tested. p < 0.05 was adopted.

Results:

the highest proportion was female (65%) and with a higher educational level (77%). Higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was observed in men, in those with higher schooling and in non-whites. Those who reported a frequent consumption of industrialized condiments showed a mean sodium of 4.1 ± 1.4 g/day (p = 0.03) and salt of 10.5 ± 3.6 g/day (p = 0.03). Among those who reported frequent use of industrialized condiments, a higher Na/K ratio was found and a lower ratio was observed among those with lower consumption of ultraprocessed foods. Hypertensive and those with salt intake above the recommended one presented higher Na/K ratio.

Conclusion:

frequent consumption of industrialized condiments is associated with higher salt excretion and Na/K ratio and higher consumption of ultraprocessed products increases Na/K ratio.

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