In 2010 the salt intake (sodium chloride) of adults in Doetinchem, the Netherlands, exceeds the recommended maximum intake of 6 grams per day. This intake is nearly unchanged as compared to the first study on this topic executed in 2006. A high salt intake is associated with high blood pressure and can lead to cardiovascular diseases. In 2010, the iodine intake was optimal, but decreased as compared to 2006. Iodine deficiency can lead to thyroid disorders.
These are the most important conclusions of the present study performed by the RIVM by order and for the account of the ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS). This study is part of the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey of the RIVM, a monitoring study to assess the food consumption and nutritional status of the Dutch population. The intake of sodium and iodine is estimated by measuring the amount of sodium and iodine excreted in urine over a 24-hour period. Daily salt intake can be calculated based on the sodium intake.
Urine samples of 342 adults aged 19 to 70 years from Doetinchem and surroundings were examined. In 2010, half of the participants had a salt intake of more than 8.5 grams per day and an iodine intake of more than 179 micrograms per day. In 2006, these daily intakes corresponded to 8.4 grams of salt and 262 micrograms of iodine, respectively. Since 2006 various efforts have been initiated to reduce the salt intake in the Netherlands, for example by the food industry to reduce the level of sodium chloride in processed foods. As yet, these efforts have not resulted in lower salt intakes. Although the study was performed in one town only, the results of this study may be seen as an indication of the salt and iodine intake in the Netherlands.