Validation of a Salt Sensitivity Test as a Possible Alternative to a 24-Hour Urine Test

Abstract

Objectives: The 24-hour urine sodium (Na) test is the gold standard method for measuring salt intake in community studies. This study aimed to compare the results of a 24-hour urine Na test with those obtained from the salt taste sensitivity test (STST) in order to validate the STST as a possible substitute for the 24-hour urine Na test. Materials and Methods: Both tests were simultaneously performed on 30 individuals. The results were compared using correlation models. Results: STST results in the tolerance threshold had a strong and positive correlation with the results of the 24-hour urine Na (r=0.93, P<0.001). In addition, the distance between the tolerance threshold and the recognition threshold scores was strongly correlated with the results of 24-hour urine Na (r=0.830, P<0.001). Finally, there was no significant correlation between recognition threshold scores and 24-hour urine Na (r=0.087, P=0.64). Conclusions: In general, the STST showed a promising potential to be replaced with the 24-hour urine Na test in community studies.

Keywords

• dietary sodium intake
• salt taste sensitivity test
• salt tolerance
• taste threshold
• urine sodium
• validity