Changes in dietary intake and nutritional status associated with a significant reduction in sodium intake in patients with heart failure. A sub-analysis of the SODIUM-HF pilot study

• There is concern about the effects of sodium restriction on dietary intake in HF.
• Dietary sodium reduction may not affect dietary intake or nutritional status in HF.
• An individualized and comprehensive dietary approached is recommended to this end.

SummaryBackground & aimsConcerns have been raised about the impact of dietary sodium restriction on the overall dietary intake and nutritional status in patients with heart failure (HF). The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between a significant reduction in sodium intake and dietary changes and nutritional status in patients with chronic HF.MethodsThis is a secondary analysis of 38 patients enrolled in a pilot study of dietary sodium reduction. Patients were classified into two groups according to a level of sodium reduction achieved (≥25% [n = 21 patients] and <25% [n = 14 patients]) at 6 months. Between group changes in energy, nutrient intake, weight loss, and hand grip strength from baseline to 6 months were compared.ResultsPatients had a median age of 65 years, 51% were male, median body mass index was 30.7 kg/m2 and median ejection fraction was 39%. Over 6 months, the group with ≥25% sodium reduction exhibited a greater increase in folate intake [median change 50 mcg/day (25th–75th percentiles: −101, 167) vs. −31 mcg/day (25th–75th percentiles: −221, 51), p = 0.04 between groups] and a larger reduction in calcium intake [median change −262 (25th–75th percentiles: −585, −9) vs. 91 (25th–75th percentiles: −114, 210), p = 0.01 between groups], and were more likely to meet the parameters of the DASH diet compared to the <25% sodium reduction group. No significant differences between groups were seen for caloric intake and other relevant nutrients and no significant weight loss was found in either group.ConclusionsDietary sodium reduction may be achieved without compromising overall dietary intake and nutritional status in patients with HF when an individualized and comprehensive dietary approached is used.Clinical Trial Identifier: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01480401.