High Salt Intake Among Older Adults

A recent report from the Institute of Medicine urges the gradual reduction of sodium in food, beverages, and meals in restaurants. There has been some speculation that the FDA is targeting fast-food chains, although that is only speculation. Salt shakers at the table are not the problem, as the majority of sodium consumed is from processed, prepared, and fast foods.

Older adults often crave salty foods and have a higher tolerance for seasoned and salty foods. As we age, the tongue is less efficient in recognizing salt. This is also the reason why older adults claim that institutional and hospital food is "bland." It came as no surprise to me that the number ONE food consumed by older adults is hot dogs; they are cheap, quick, and salty.

According to the Department of Agriculture, the average American consumes 3,400 mgs [1.5 teaspoons] of sodium, while the recommended daily limit is 2,300 mgs [1 teaspoon]. The Institute of Medicine recommends only 1,000 mgs daily for African Americans, middle aged and older adults. All persons with hypertension or pre-hyptertension should consume no more than 1,500 mgs daily.

Here is the dietary intake of one older adult [former client] who told me that he gave up the salt shaker in accordance with his low sodium diet:

Breakfast: Oatmeal. He told me that he gave up boxed cereal, as it is loaded with salt and too expensive. Total sodium for breakfast, 0. Good!

Lunch: Bologna and Velveeta Sandwich

• 2 bread [220 mgs sodium]
• 1 Velveeta slice [300]
• 1 Thick slice bologna [700]
• 26 tortilla chips [220]
• 2 TB Salsa [140]

Snack: 1 peach. Sodium, 0. Good!
Dinner: 1 can Lowfat Progresso Soup [1260 mgs. sodium] Ouch!
Dessert: 1 Gelatin Pudding Cup. Sodium, 0. Good!

This man who was on a low salt diet and had "given up the salt shaker" consumed 2,900 mgs. of sodium, almost three times the recommended amount for older adults.

Advice from the AgeDoc: Read the labels and watch how much salt you are actually consuming!