Korean Journal of Community Nutrition

Research Articles

[English]
Changes in the importance and performance of low-sodium management among childcare center cooks in Yongin, South Korea, after salinometer support programs: a descriptive study: Jiwoo Min, Youngmi Lee, Yunhee Chang, Yujin Lee; Korean J Community Nutr 2024;29(4):304-317. Published online August 31, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2024.00004

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Objectives
This study aimed to evaluate the importance and performance of sodium reduction practices among childcare center cooks in the Yongin area before and after a 3-month salinometer support program.
Methods
In total, 313 cooks employed in childcare centers in Yongin were surveyed before and after participating in a salinometer support program. The survey included questions on general information, sodium-related dietary habits, and perceived importance and performance levels of sodium reduction approaches in the purchasing, cooking, and serving areas. The centers were divided into childcare centers registered as group-feeding facilities (FS group, n = 68) and those not registered as such (non-FS group, n = 245). The differences between the two groups were analyzed.
Results
The overall importance levels increased significantly after the program in both the FS-group (P < 0.001) and non-FS group (P = 0.005). The overall performance levels also increased significantly in both groups (P < 0.001 for all). Consequently, the significant difference between the importance and performance levels disappeared in both groups after the program. However, unlike the FS group, which showed no significant differences between the importance and performance levels after the program in all three areas, the non-FS group still demonstrated lower performance levels than importance levels in the purchasing (P = 0.011) and serving (P = 0.034) areas after the program.
Conclusions
The use of salinometers significantly enhanced the performance and importance of low-sodium management practices among cooks in childcare centers, especially in the FS group. The continuous monitoring of salinity measurements and tailored education specialized for the FS and non-FS groups are recommended.

135 View
8 Download

[English]
Relationship of sodium index with the obesity indicators of university students in Daegu, South Korea: a cross-sectional study: Young-Won Jang, Jian Ma, Yeon-Kyung Lee; Korean J Community Nutr 2024;29(3):189-198. Published online June 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2024.29.3.189

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Objectives
The sodium index is an index that converts the estimated sodium intake calculated using a verified and reliable sodium estimation formula. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the sodium index and obesity indicators and the potential impact of excessive sodium consumption on obesity.
Methods
Obesity indicators, such as body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and visceral fat levels, were analyzed in 120 university students (60 men and 60 women). The sodium index was calculated by indexing the estimated sodium intake according to age, sex, BMI, salt-eating habits, and salt-eating behaviors. The relationship between sodium index and obesity indicators was analyzed using multiple logistic regression.
Results
The estimated sodium intake was 3,907.1 mg, with 76.7% of the participants categorized under the “careful” level of sodium index and 10.8% under the “moderate” level. As the sodium index increased, the BMI, body fat percentage, WHR, and visceral fat levels significantly increased. All obesity indicators significantly increased in patients with a “severe” sodium index than in those with a “moderate” sodium index. In addition, a strong positive correlation was identified between obesity indicators and sodium index. When the “severe” sodium index was compared with the “moderate” sodium index, the risk of obesity based on body fat percentage increased by 2.181 times (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.526–3.118), while the risk of obesity based on visceral fat level increased by 4.073 times (95% CI, 2.097–7.911).
Conclusions
Our findings suggest a correlation between excessive sodium intake and obesity. Moreover, the sodium index can be used to determine sodium intake.

481 View
13 Download

[English]
The frequency of convenience food consumption and attitude of sodium and sugar reduction among middle and high school students in Seoul: a descriptive study: Seoyeon Park, Yeonhee Shin, Seoyeon Lee, Heejung Park; Korean J Community Nutr 2023;28(4):269-281. Published online August 31, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2023.28.4.269

Abstract PDF: Objectives
This study aimed to examine the frequency of convenience food consumption at convenience stores (CVS) and the CVS usage patterns of middle and high school students as well as to understand students’ attitude toward sodium and sugar reduction.
Methods
We used an online questionnaire for data collection. The questionnaire comprised five distinct categories: general characteristics, CVS usage, frequency of consumption according to convenience food menus at CVS, attitude toward sodium and sugar reduction, and adherence to dietary guidelines.
Results
A total of 75 students from Seoul (14 middle school students and 61 high school students) participated in the study. Most respondents visit CVS 3-5 times a week. CVS are predominantly used during weekdays, mostly during lunch, and dinner. The students mostly checked the caloric content and expiration date as food labeling information. The participants were aware of the need to reduce their sugar and sodium intake. Among frequent CVS convenience food consumers, there was an increased consideration of the need to reduce their sugar and sodium consumption, despite their actual selection of foods with high sugar and sodium content. Additionally, they did not check the sugar and sodium levels indicated in food labeling. Further, the dietary action guide from the Ministry of Health and Welfare were poorly followed by most students.
Conclusions
There is a need for nutrition education specifically addressing the sugar and sodium content of the convenience foods predominantly consumed by students. Additionally, educating students with frequent convenience food consumption to actively check the sugar and sodium information on food labels could help promote healthier food choices.

46 View
2 Download

[Korean]
Dietary sodium and potassium intake of Koreans estimated using 2 different sources of their contents in foods, Food & Nutrient Database and the Korean Total Diet Study : a comparative study: Jee Yeon Lee, Sung Ok Kwon, Soo Hyun Lee, Min Jeong Seo, Gae Ho Lee, Cho-il Kim; Korean J Community Nutr 2023;28(3):235-244. Published online June 30, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2023.28.3.235

Abstract PDF: Objectives
Based on the results from the Korean Total Diet Study (KTDS), the sodium (Na) and potassium (K) intake of Koreans were estimated and compared with intake estimates from the Food & Nutrient Database (FNDB), as in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) to verify the validity of these estimates.
Methods
One hundred and thirty-four representative foods (RFs) covering 92.5% of the total food intake of Koreans were selected, and 228 pairs of corresponding ‘RF x representative cooking method’ were derived by reflecting the methods used mainly in terms of frequency and quantity in their cooking. RF samples were collected from three cities with a larger population size in three regions (nine cities) nationwide, and six composite samples were made for each RF, considering its regional and/or seasonal characteristics. One thousand three hundred and sixty-eight ‘RF x representative cooking method’ pair samples were prepared, and the Na and K contents were assessed using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-MS). The Na and K intake of the Korean population was estimated by linking the content with the food intake data from the 7th KNHANES.
Results
The mean Na and K intake of Koreans were 2,807.4 mg and 2,335.0 mg per person per day, respectively. A comparison with the Na and K intake from KNHANES, including only RFs of KTDS, showed comparable results with less than 5% variation. While the contribution and ranking of food items to Na intake were similar between KNHANES and KTDS, there were differences in K intake. This was attributed to the large discrepancies in the K content of rice and coffee between KTDS results and the values in the 9th Revision of the National Food Composition Table used in KNHANES.
Conclusions
The Na and K intake of Koreans estimated based on the KTDS, which performed nutrient analysis on samples prepared to a ‘table-ready’ state using foods of the representative collection, was similar and comparable with that of KNHANES. This supports the validity and usefulness of FNDB-based nutrient intake estimation at the population level. The list of nutrients studied in KTDS is expected to be expanded, allowing for intake estimation of nutrients with currently insufficient or absent information in the FNDBs in use.

63 View
1 Download

[Korean]
Comparison of Sodium Reduction Practice and Estimated Sodium Intake by Salty Food Preference on Employees and Customers of Sodium Reduction Restaurant in Daegu, Korea: Su-Jin Lee, Keon-Yeop Kim, Yeon-Kyung Lee; Korean J Community Nutr 2022;27(1):27-35. Published online February 28, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2022.27.1.27

Abstract PDF

Objectives
The purposes of this study were to compare the degree of sodium reduction practice and estimate sodium intake by salty food preference.
Methods
Sodium reduction practices, salty food preferences and estimated sodium intake were surveyed for restaurant owners (n = 80), employees (n = 82) and customers (n = 727) at the restaurants participating in the sodium reduction project in Daegu, Korea. Estimated sodium intake was performed by examining sex, age, body mass index (BMI), salty eating habit and dietary behaviors.
Results
The degree of sodium reduction practice was significantly higher in salinity meter use (P < 0.001), low salt seasonings (P < 0.001) and efforts to make the foods as bland as possible overall (P < 0.001) in the restaurants participating in sodium reduction project than in homes (P < 0.001). The degree of sodium reduction practice appeared lower in the high salty food preference group than in the low-preference group in such items as efforts to make the foods as bland as possible overall (P < 0.05) and washing the salty taste and then cooking (P < 0.05). The high-preference group showed high-salt dietary behavior, including eating all the soup until nothing was left (P < 0.05) more than the low-preference group, but low-salt dietary behavior included checking the sodium content in processed foods (P < 0 .0 5) less than the low-preference group. The high-preference group was higher in the soup and stew intake frequency than the low-preference group (P < 0.05) and much lower in nuts (P < 0.05) and fruits (P < 0.05) intake frequency. The high-preference group had a higher salty eating habit (P < 0.05), salty taste assessment (P < 0.05) and estimated sodium intake (P < 0.05) than the low-preference group.
Conclusions
The present study showed that the salty food preference was strongly associated with lower sodium reduction practice and higher estimated sodium intake.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Amelioration of metabolic disturbances and adipokine dysregulation by mugwort (Artemisia princeps P.) extract in high-fat diet-induced obese rats
Yun-Hye Kim, Chung-Mu Park, Gun-Ae Yoon
Journal of Nutrition and Health.2016; 49(6): 411. CrossRef
Comparison of Serum Adiponectin Levels According to Body Mass Index and Dietary Behaviors of Female University Students in Seoul
Mi Joung Kim, Hyun Young Jun, Hye Bog Rha
Korean Journal of Community Nutrition.2013; 18(4): 354. CrossRef
Effects of age on changes of body composition through caloric restriction in overweight and obese women
Jung-Eun Yim, Young-Seol Kim, Ryowon Choue
Journal of Nutrition and Health.2013; 46(5): 410. CrossRef
Nutrient Intake, the Concentrations of Leptin, Adiponectin, Cotisol & Insulin by the Body Fat Content of Women
Soon Yei Lee, Hyun Sook Bae
Korean Journal of Community Nutrition.2012; 17(6): 714. CrossRef
Relationship between Nutrients Intakes, Dietary Quality, and Serum Concentrations of Inflammatory Markers in Metabolic Syndrome Patients
Misung Kim, Juyoung Kim, Wookyung Bae, Sohye Kim, Yesong Lee, Woori Na, Cheongmin Sohn
Korean Journal of Community Nutrition.2011; 16(1): 51. CrossRef
Comparison of Serum Insulin, Leptin, Adiponectin and High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Levels according to Body Mass Index and their Associations in Adult Women
Mi Young Lee, Jung Hee Kim
Korean Journal of Community Nutrition.2011; 16(1): 126. CrossRef

99 View
2 Download
6 Crossref

[Korean]
Comparison of the Sodium and Sugar Reduction Practices at Samsam Foodservices and General Foodservices in Daegu: Sung-young Kwon, Kilye Kim, Yeon-Kyung Lee; Korean J Community Nutr 2021;26(4):270-279. Published online August 31, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2021.26.4.270

Abstract PDF

Objectives
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the sodium and sugar reduction practices of the Samsam foodservice project of Daegu, in comparison with that of general foodservices in Daegu. Methods: A survey was conducted on 80 Samsam foodservice workers and 80 general foodservice workers from Sep. to Oct. 2020. We compared each worker's taste preferences, stage of behavior change and dietary behavior regarding sodium and sugar, and each foodservice's practices regarding sodium and sugar reduction. Results: There was no significant difference between the salty taste and sweet taste preferences between the workers at the Samsam foodservices and those at the general foodservices. The percentage of foodservice workers in action or maintenance stage of behavior change for eating less salty was higher in the Samsam foodservices than in the general foodservices (P < 0.05). In addition, regarding the degree of saltiness and sweetness of meals, the workers at the general foodservices perceived their meals to be saltier (P < 0.001) and sweeter (P < 0.01) than the workers at Samsam foodservices. The workers at Samsam foodservices had fewer salty dietary behaviors compared to the workers at general foodservices (P < 0.01). The sodium reduction practice was significantly higher in the Samsam foodservices than the general foodservices (P < 0.001), especially in “efforts to make the food as bland as possible overall” (P < 0.001), and “serving less soup and stew” (P < 0.001). The sugar reduction practice too was significantly higher in the Samsam foodservices than the general foodservices (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The Samsam foodservices were shown to be better in the practice of sodium and sugar reduction compared to general foodservices. Therefore, it is necessary to provide continuous and practical support and incentives at the national level to expand the sodium and sugar reduction practices in foodservices.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Comparison of participant and non-participant perceptions on healthy restaurant for sodium reduction: a qualitative study
Jeehee Pyo, Mina Lee, Yunjeong Jang, Minsu Ock
Nutrition Research and Practice.2023; 17(3): 503. CrossRef

34 View
0 Download
1 Crossref

[English]
Sodium Reduction Practice and Importance-Performance Analysis of Sodium Reduction Methods in School Foodservice in Daegu: Su-Hyeon Kim, Eun-Kyung Shin, Yeon-Kyung Lee; Korean J Community Nutr 2020;25(5):386-395. Published online October 31, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2020.25.5.386

Abstract PDF

Objectives
The aim of this study was to investigate sodium reduction practices in school foodservice in Daegu. Methods The survey included 199 nutrition teachers and dietitians working at elementary, middle and high schools in Daegu. The survey topics included the following: the frequency of salinity measurement, workers in charge of the measurement, average salinity of the soup and stew served, frequency and difficulties of offering low-sodium meals, Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) of sodium reduction methods in school foodservice and the need for political support in encouraging sodium reduction. Results The mean salinity of the soup and stew was higher in high school foodservice than in elementary and middle school foodservice. Middle and high schools have difficulties in offering low-sodium meals due to concerns of decreasing satisfaction for the meals. The results of the IPA of programs to reduce sodium in school meals showed that most of the items in the cooking and serving stages were in the 2nd quadrant (Keep up the good work), and all purchasing and menu planning stages occupied the 3rd quadrant (Low priority). To reduce sodium in school meals, government support is required in developing low-sodium recipes for school foodservice, encouraging education on sodium reduction for school foodservice officials and developing low-sodium food for institutional foodservice. Conclusions To encourage sodium reduction in school meals, the priority is to make low-sodium recipes available. Also, it is necessary to develop a program that calculates the sodium content in menus and processed foods through National Education Information System and to establish standards for sodium levels in school foodservice.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

충북지역 중등학생의 건강식생활 관련 식행동과 영양관리 정책에 대한 인식
은서 고, 영은 이
Korean Journal of Food and Cookery Science.2023; 39(3): 197. CrossRef
Importance-performance analysis of sodium reduction practices by school nutrition teachers and dietitians in the Republic of Korea
Youngmi Lee, Sooyoun Kwon, Meeyoung Kim
Nutrition Research and Practice.2023; 17(4): 812. CrossRef
Comparison of Sodium Reduction Practice and Estimated Sodium Intake by Salty Food Preference on Employees and Customers of Sodium Reduction Restaurant in Daegu, Korea
Su-Jin Lee, Keon-Yeop Kim, Yeon-Kyung Lee
Korean Journal of Community Nutrition.2022; 27(1): 27. CrossRef
Comparison of the Sodium and Sugar Reduction Practices at Samsam Foodservices and General Foodservices in Daegu
Sung-young Kwon, Kilye Kim, Yeon-Kyung Lee
Korean Journal of Community Nutrition.2021; 26(4): 270. CrossRef

42 View
0 Download
4 Crossref

[English]
Validity of Estimating Sodium Intake using a Mobile Phone Application of 24-hour Dietary Recall with Meal Photos: Seo-Yoon Kim, Sang-Jin Chung; Korean J Community Nutr 2020;25(4):317-328. Published online August 31, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2020.25.4.317

Abstract PDF

Objective
The objective of this study was to verify the validity of a mobile phone application (app) that applies a 24-hour dietary recall with meal photos, as a means of being a more accurate method of estimating dietary sodium intake.
Methods
Of the 203 subjects enrolled, 172 subjects (84 males and 88 females) were selected for the final analysis, excluding those with an intake less than 500 kcal and urine output less than 500 ml. Dietary sodium assessment methods used for comparing with the 24-hour urinary sodium excretion are as follows: 1) face-to-face 24-hour dietary recall, 2) 24-hour dietary recall using the mobile app, 3) face-to-face 24-hour dietary recall considering liquid intakes from soup, stew, water kimchi and noodle, etc (liquid-based dishes), 4) 24-hour dietary recall using the mobile app considering liquid intakes from liquid-based dishes, and 5) food frequency questionnaire. Repeated ANOVA with Bonferroni method was used for comparing the average sodium intake, and Pearson’s correlation was applied to correlate the methods used.
Results
In women, no significant difference was observed in the average sodium intake between all methods. Moreover, analysis in men and total adults revealed no significant difference between the 24-hour urinary sodium secretion, and 24-hour dietary recall using the app and 24-hour dietary recall using the app considering liquid intakes. Sodium intake by food frequency questionnaire was significantly different when compared with the intake determined from 24-hour urinary sodium excretion. Sodium intake from all methods (except food frequency questionnaire) significantly correlated with values obtained from 24-hour urine sodium excretion.
Conclusions
Results of this study validated a mobile phone app using a 24-hour dietary recall with meal photos to better estimate dietary sodium intakes. It is believed that further studies in the future will enable the application as a tool to more accurately determine sodium intake.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Dietary Sodium and Fluid Restriction for Patients with Heart Failure
Eloisa Colin-Ramirez, Amitai Segev, Meghan Rozmahel, Justin Ezekowitz
Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Comparison between 24-hour diet recall and 24-hour urine collection for estimating sodium and potassium intakes and their ratio among Korean adults
Taisun Hyun, Mi-Kyeong Choi, Young-Ran Heo, Heekyong Ro, Young-Hee Han, Yeon-Kyung Lee
Nutrition Research and Practice.2023; 17(2): 284. CrossRef
Validity of Interviewer-Administered 24-h Dietary Recalls in Older Korean Women: A Pilot Study
Seunghee Kim, Clara Y. Park
Nutrients.2023; 15(7): 1757. CrossRef

44 View
1 Download
3 Crossref

Original Articles

[English]
Customers' Perceptions of Operational Status of and Needs for Sodium Reduction in the Industry Foodservice in Seoul: Na Young Yi; Korean J Community Nutr 2020;25(1):21-31. Published online February 29, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2020.25.1.21

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to compare customers' perceptions of the need for a low-sodium diet and sodium-reduced operations in the industry foodservice by age. The relationships between health concerns and perceptions of the need for sodium-reduced operations and low-sodium diets in the industry foodservice were analyzed.
METHODS
A survey was conducted among 340 industry foodservice customers aged 20â€“50 years and residing in Seoul, Korea. This study investigated the respondents' health concerns, their perception of the need for sodium-reduced foodservice operations, their perception of a sodium-reduced diet, and the general details of the foodservices they used. A cross-tabulation analysis and ANOVA were performed to identify differences in measurement items by age, and a simple regression analysis was performed to examine relationships between measurement items.
RESULTS
For the customers' perception of the need for a sodium-reduced foodservice operation, the item â€œit is necessary to provide separate spices and sauces to reduce sodium intakeâ€ achieved the highest score (3.88 points out of a possible 5 points). For the perception of a sodium-reduced diet, the item â€œI think it is helpful for one's healthâ€ obtained the highest score (4.13 points). Respondents' health concerns had a positive effect on increasing the level of perception of the need for sodium-reduced foodservice operations and that of a sodium-reduced diet.
CONCLUSIONS
Foodservice nutritionists could help enhance their customers' perceptions of the needs for sodium-reduced foodservice operations and sodium-reduced diets by frequently providing them with sodium-related health information.

44 View
1 Download

[English]
Comparison of Salinity and Sodium Content by the Salinity Measurement Frequency of Soups of Childcare Centers Enrolled in the Center for Children's Food Service Management in Daegu: Na Yeong Lee, Yeon Kyung Lee; Korean J Community Nutr 2020;25(1):13-20. Published online February 29, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2020.25.1.13

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

OBJECTIVES
This study examined the salinity of soups provided at childcare centers by measuring the salinity for three years and providing basic data for sodium reduction.
METHODS
The soup salinity was measured using a Bluetooth salinity meter from January 2015 to December 2017 at 80 childcare foodservice establishments enrolled in the Suseong Center for Children's Foodservice Management in Daegu.
RESULTS
An analysis of the soup salinity each year showed that the salinity decreased significantly from 0.48% in 2015 to 0.41% in 2017, particularly in clear soups and soybean soups compared to other soups (P < 0.05). The salinity and sodium content in seafood soups (0.45% and 179.1 mg/100 g, respectively) were highest, followed by soybean soups (0.44%, 175.2 mg/100 g), with perilla seed soups containing the lowest (0.42%, 167.2 mg/100 g) (P < 0.05). The salinity was significantly higher in institutional foodservice establishments than small foodservice establishments (P < 0.001). The salinity and sodium content were the highest in foodservice establishments with a small number of measurements, and the salinity was the lowest in foodservice establishments with salinity measurements performed an average of 151 times each year (three times a week) or more (P < 0.05). The soup salinity was low in the order of winter, spring, summer, and autumn, and the salinity decreased significantly year by year in all seasons. (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
The soup salinity was significantly lower in foodservice establishments where the salinity was measured more than three times a week, indicating that continuous salinity management is effective.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Sodium Reduction Practice and Importance-Performance Analysis of Sodium Reduction Methods in School Foodservice in Daegu
Su-Hyeon Kim, Eun-Kyung Shin, Yeon-Kyung Lee
Korean Journal of Community Nutrition.2020; 25(5): 386. CrossRef

53 View
0 Download
1 Crossref

[English]
Salinity of Representative Korean Foods High in Sodium from Home Meals, Foodservices, and Restaurants: Lin Jiang, Damin Shin, Yeon Kyung Lee; Korean J Community Nutr 2018;23(4):333-340. Published online August 31, 2018; DOI: https://doi.org/10.5720/kjcn.2018.23.4.333

Search