Increased Salt Intake Decreases Diet-Induced Thermogenesis in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to investigate the influence of high salt intake on diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT) and its potential role in obesity.
Results Summary
The study found that high salt intake (12 g/d) increased urine sodium but did not report significant changes in DIT, resting energy expenditure, or other measured outcomes compared to the placebo group (6 g/d).
Population
40 healthy subjects (38 completed the study).
Effective Dosage
6 g/d salt (NaCl) in capsules, resulting in a total intake of 12 g/d in the salt group and 6 g/d in the placebo group.
Duration
2 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
high salt diet | neutral | noncommunicable diseases | - | - | ranks among the most important risk factors | #1 |
Western diets | neutral | obesity | - | - | associated with a high prevalence | #2 |
high salt | neutral | obesity | - | - | thought to be a potential risk factor | #3 |
high salt diet | neutral | energy expenditure | - | - | could influence | #4 |
high salt diet | neutral | diet-induced thermogenesis | - | - | could influence | #5 |
6 g/d salt (NaCl) | increase | urine sodium | 40 healthy subjects | 2.29 g/d | increased | #6 |
High salt intake ranks among the most important risk factors for noncommunicable diseases. Western diets, which are typically high in salt, are associated with a high prevalence of obesity. High salt is thought to be a potential risk factor for obesity independent of energy intake, although the underlying mechanisms are insufficiently understood. A high salt diet could influence energy expenditure (EE), specifically diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT), which accounts for about 10% of total EE. We aimed to investigate the influence of high salt on DIT. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study, 40 healthy subjects received either 6 g/d salt (NaCl) or placebo in capsules over 2 weeks. Before and after the intervention, resting EE, DIT, body composition, food intake, 24 h urine analysis, and blood pressure were obtained. EE was measured by indirect calorimetry after a 12 h overnight fast and a standardized 440 kcal meal. Thirty-eight subjects completed the study. Salt intake from foods was 6 g/d in both groups, resulting in a total salt intake of 12 g/d in the salt group and 6 g/d in the placebo group. Urine sodium increased by 2.29 g/d (