Procena izloženosti studentske populacije natrijumu iz prehrambenih izvora

Abstract

<p>High sodium intake is a known risk factor for hypertension, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The main goals of this study have been to determine the dietary sodium intake of undergraduate students at the University of Novi Sad and to identify the main sources of sodium in the diet among undergraduate students at the University of Novi Sad. The study also gave insight into knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of the respondents towards sodium related issues. This cross-sectional study was conducted during the 2010/11 and 2011/12 academic years at the Univesity of Novi Sad. In total, 1082 students completed the questionnaire. Two hundred and sixty six students completed the 24 hour dietary recall. Salt intake in the sample was estimated to be 3938.55 &plusmn; 1708.15 mg/d. Estimated salt intake of 89.1 replace of the respondents was higher than the sodium intake goal of 2000 mg/d. The main sources of sodium in the diet of undergraduate students at the University of Novi Sad are processed foods. Knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of the respondents towards sodium-related issues were low. Excessive sodium intake presents a health risk for undergraduate students at the University of Novi Sad. Future strategies for sodium intake reduction should include promotional and educational activities in order to raise awareness of sodium-related issues among undergraduate students at the University of Novi Sad.</p>