SAN FRANCISCO—A diet high in salt raises a woman's risk of breaking bones after menopause, despite her bone density, according to new research presented at The Endocrine Society's 95th Annual Meeting on June 15, 2013.
The Japanese study found older women who consumed large amounts of sodium had more than four times the risk of non-vertebral fracture (a fracture occurring anywhere except the spine).
“Excessive sodium intake appears to be a risk factor for bone fragility," said the study’s lead author, Kiyoko Nawata, Ph.D. "It is therefore important to consider excessive sodium intake in dietary therapy for osteoporosis."
Other studies have found a non-vertebral fracture, especially of the hip, can cause disability and even death. Research also links excess sodium intake and increased bone breakdown, as well as decreased bone mineral density.
The food industry has made significant strides to reduce sodium content in pre-packaged or restaurant foods in an effort to help Americans eat healthier. In fact, in February 2013, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced 21 companies met one or more of their voluntary commitments to reduce sodium content in pre-packaged or restaurant foods. Researchers have estimated that reducing daily sodium intake by 1,200 milligrams can prevent up to 92,000 deaths and save up to $24 billion in health care costs each year. Nearly 80% of salt in the U.S. diet comes from packaged or restaurant foods, not table salt or home cooking, making it challenging for any individual to monitor sodium intake, and choose to decrease sodium intake. Approximately, 90% of Americans consume too much sodium, much of which comes from foods that do not always taste salty, such as bread, cold-cuts, cookies or tomato sauce.
Nawata and her colleagues studied 213 postmenopausal women with an average age of 63, who had underdone osteoporosis screening. The screening included bone density scanning, a food questionnaire and blood work. In addition, a physician examined any existing non-vertebral fractures. The women also had motor function tests of their balance, to determine their fall risk, and a test of handgrip strength (low grip strength is a risk factor for osteoporosis-related fractures).
The women's average daily sodium intake was 5,211 milligrams (mg), the authors reported. However, one group consumed an average of 7,561 mg per day, putting them at 4.1 times the risk of a non-vertebral fracture.
The groups with lower sodium intakes did not have an increased risk of fractures, according to researchers.
The Japanese consume more sodium on average than Americans—3,972 mg versus about 3,400 mg/d. Americans, however, consume far more sodium than the daily recommended intake of 2,300 mg, which equals less than 1 teaspoon of table salt.
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