Is sodium and potassium content of commonly consumed processed packaged foods a cause of concern?

Abstract

Processed foods are the major contributors towards sodium intake thereby pre-disposing individuals towards risk of Diet Related Non-communicable Diseases (DR-NCDs). There is paucity of data on sodium and potassium content of processed packaged foods in India. The sodium and potassium content of the most commonly consumed processed packaged foods (n=154) was analyzed by AOAC 969.23 method using Flame Photometer. Highest analyzed mean sodium content was found in soups (4823±1674mg/100g, range=3220 to 8000mg/100g) while the potassium content was highest in chips with a mean of 778±260mg/100g and ranged between 360 and 1220mg/100g. A higher potassium to sodium ratio is desirable for good health, however only 20% of the analyzed products were found to have the same. Therefore, there is a need to monitor the sodium and potassium content of the processed packaged foods and to reformulate the products to bring about favorable potassium to sodium ratio.

Keywords: Food composition; K:Na ratio; Potassium; Processed packaged foods; Sodium.