Contribution of saline drinking water to high salt consumption in young adults in coastal Bangladesh

In coastal Bangladesh increasing salinity of freshwater is a growing concern that threatens the health of its 35 million inhabitants, yet little is known about the characteristics of their exposure to salt or subsequent health effects. We examined the level of sodium (salt) consumption and associated factors in young adults in coastal Bangladesh to answer these important questions. 

We conducted a cross-sectional survey during May-June 2014 in Koyra, a rural sub-district in southwestern coastal Bangladesh. Sodium level of water sources and spot urine samples were assessed for 282 participants. The significant factors associated with high sodium consumption were determined from logistic regression analyses.

Mean sodium content in tube well water (885mg/L) was significantly higher than pond water (738 mg/L). Mean urinary sodium level was 106 mmol/L (+ 74.62). Fifty-two percent of the study subjects were consuming sodium at levels above the WHO recommended level (>85mmol/day). The users of tube well water were more likely to consume sodium above the recommended level than pond water users (AOR 2.16, 95%CI 1.25-3.72). In addition, housewives and those who added salt to meals were more likely to have high salt consumption.

Such high sodium exposure of large populations early in their life could have long term public health consequences relating to cardiovascular and kidney diseases. As the problem of salinity is projected to increase with climate change appropriate public health and behavior change interventions must be an urgent priority for this vulnerable coastal region.