Factors Associated with High Sodium Intake in participants Aged 50 and Older

Non-communicable diseases, particularly hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, account for a substantial share of the disease burden in Iran, with high dietary sodium intake being a major modifiable risk factor. This cross-sectional study, conducted within the framework of the Neyshabur Longitudinal Study on Ageing, assessed determinants of high sodium intake among adults aged 50 years and older using the gold standard method of 24-hour urinary sodium excretion. The findings revealed that more than 80% of participants consumed sodium above the World Health Organization’s recommended level. Male sex, elevated waist-to-hip ratio, high energy intake, and low consumption of fruits and vegetables were independently associated with high sodium intake. These results indicate that excessive sodium consumption among older adults is influenced by a combination of dietary patterns and body composition rather than individual behavior alone. Effective salt reduction policies should therefore prioritize high-risk groups, integrate sodium reduction with obesity prevention strategies, improve overall diet quality, and implement structural interventions such as reformulation of bread and processed foods to reduce population-level sodium intake.