This study was conducted to evaluate the dietary potassium intake of Korean adults, the Na/K intake molar ratio, 18 food groups and food contributing to potassium intake and the relationships between potassium intake and clinical health indicators (blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and blood biochemical indice) using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007-2010 (KNHANES).
The total number of subjects was 20,291 persons (across 2007-2010). Subjects were divided into 3 age groups (20-49 yrs, 50-64 yrs and 65-74 yrs). All the analyses were conducted using a survey weighting to account for the complex survey design.
In both men and women, the overall average potassium intake showed an increase over the period (2,610.4-3,688.0 mg/day for men and 2,180.2-2,840.3 mg/day for women). Potassium intake of male subjects increased gradually to near the adequate intake (AI), whereas that in women was considerably lower than AI. The Na/K intake molar ratio was decreased in women (2.61-2.92) according to aging, and Na/K intake molar ratio was significantly lower in women than in men. The major food groups contributing to potassium intake were vegetables, cereals, and fruits/meats. The two major foods contributing to potassium intake were polished rice and cabbage kimchi. The overall rankings of foods were as follows; polished rice > cabbage kimchi > potatoes > black soybeans > sweet potatoes > persimmons > red pepper powder > doenjang > coffee mix. The body mass index of men (BMI: 22.87-24.54) increased with potassium intake. In women systolic blood pressure(SBP) and Triglycerides(TG) were significanly decreased and HDL-cholesterol increased as potassium intake increased .
In conclusion, our study results suggest a need for persistent nutrition education about various tips on selecting foods and low-Na/K ratio recipes, which might improve the health status of Korean adults.