49% of US adults eat a sandwich daily which raises their sodium intake

According to new findings, about half of the adults in the United States eat at least one sandwich every day, which accounts for one-fifth of their total sodium intake for the day. The researchers

By: Agencies | | Published: October 9, 2014 12:25 pm

According to new findings, about half of the adults in the United States eat at least one sandwich every day, which accounts for one-fifth of their total sodium intake for the day.

The researchers based their findings on data from dietary intake survey known as ‘What We Eat in America NHANES 2009-2010,’ that was earlier conducted in the US. In the survey, the participants had reported all foods and beverages they consumed the previous day. Each of the food items was assigned to one or more food codes to assess its nutritional value. Participants also reported, different ingredients and components in the sandwiches (such as bread and fillings) individually, and each of the components were also given separate codes.

Because previous studies had defined sandwiches as only those that were represented by a single food code, those analyses found that sandwiches only contributed about 4 per cent of daily sodium intake. In the new study, a team of US Department of Agriculture (USDA) researchers broadened the sandwich definition by including sandwiches that were coded as multiple ingredients as well as those coded using a single food code.

By including sandwiches coded both ways, researchers discovered that sandwiches actually account for one-fifth of total sodium intake and that on any given day nearly half of the adults in America aged 20 years and older eat a sandwich. As per the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the recommended maximum intake of sodium is 2,300 mg per day. For certain groups – adults over 50, African-Americans, and those with certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease – the recommended amount is reduced to 1,500 mg per day.

Here are some key findings of the study:

49% adults ate one sandwich every day
It was found that, for adults, sandwiches alone contribute 30 per cent of the less restrictive guideline and 46 per cent of the stricter guideline.
People who ate sandwiches had significantly higher energy intakes than those who did not.
Those who consumed a sandwich on the survey day took in, on average, around 300 kilocalories more than those who did not report eating a sandwich.
Those who ate a sandwich also had higher total sodium intakes, averaging around 600 mg per day higher than those who did not consume a sandwich.

Image source: Getty images

With inputs from PTI

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Published: October 9, 2014 12:25 pm

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