{
  "abstract": "Objectives To determine the sodium, potassium and iodine excretion and blood pressure (BP) of New Zealand (NZ) school children 8–13 years old and compare to recommended guidelines.Methods A cross-sectional study was undertaken in Auckland and Dunedin schools between July 2022 and February 2023. Sodium and potassium excretion were assessed using 24-hour urine, iodine using urine concentration and BP using standard methods; all values were compared with relevant international guidelines.Results 75 children from five schools took part (n=37 boys, 29 girls and 9 not stating gender). Mean (SD) 24-hour sodium excretion (n=59 complete samples) was 2420 (1025) mg, potassium excretion was 1567 (733) mg and the sodium-to-potassium molar ratio was 3.0 (1.6). 32% (19/59) of children met the WHO sodium guideline (<2000 mg/day), 2% (1/59) met the potassium guideline (≥3500 mg/day) and none met the sodium-to-potassium molar ratio guideline (<1:0). Median (25th, 75th percentile) urinary iodine concentration (n=55 complete samples) was 129 (90, 163) µg/L with 65% (36/55) above the WHO criteria for adequate iodine nutrition (≥99 µg/L). Mean (SD) systolic and diastolic BP (n=74) were 105 (10) mm Hg and 67 (9) mm Hg, respectively; 32% (21/65) of boys and girls with age and height measures had a systolic and diastolic BP measure >90th percentile for their gender, age and height.Conclusions This is the largest cross-sectional study using gold-standard methods to assess sodium and potassium excretion in NZ children. Findings suggest many NZ children could be at risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life, and some are at risk of complications from low iodine intake.Implications for public health A national sodium reduction strategy and policies to increase potassium intake in NZ children are urgently needed, alongside adequate monitoring and a review of bread fortification as the only strategy for increasing children’s iodine intake in NZ.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand"
      ],
      "name": "Helen Eyles"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Auckland, New Zealand"
      ],
      "name": "Jeanette Rapson"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Auckland, New Zealand"
      ],
      "name": "Kava Fuavao"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Statistics, The University of Auckland Faculty of Science, Auckland, New Zealand"
      ],
      "name": "Yannan Jiang"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Te Hau Kori—Centre for Physical Activity and Wellbeing, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand"
      ],
      "name": "Geoff Kira"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, The University of Auckland Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Auckland, New Zealand"
      ],
      "name": "Clare Wall"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Human Nutrition, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand"
      ],
      "name": "Sheila Skeaff"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University—Geelong Campus at Waurn Ponds, Waurn Ponds, Geelong, Victoria, Australia"
      ],
      "name": "Carley Grimes"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand"
      ],
      "name": "Rachael M McLean"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Sodium, potassium and iodine excretion and blood pressure of New Zealand school children: a cross-sectional study and comparison with recommended guidelines",
  "uid": "d7e7576e-1995-57f8-a1d7-33cc44f2b900"
}