• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.333-340
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• 2018

Objectives: This study was conducted to analyze the salinity of representative Korean foods high in sodium to generate data for use as a fundamental resource for setting salinity standards in foods. Methods: A total of 480 foods from 16 representative Korean foods high in sodium were collected from 10 households, 10 industry foodservice establishments, and 10 Korean restaurants in four regions (Capital area, Chungcheong Province, Gyeongsang Province, and Jeolla Province) and analyzed for salinity. Results: Among the foods, stir-fried anchovies (4.07~4.45%) showed the highest salinity, followed by pickled onion (1.86~2.62%), cabbage kimchi (1.83~2.2%), braised burdock and lotus root (1.79~2.17%), and sliced radish kimchi (1.78~1.89%) (p<0.001). The salinity of kimchi from home meals (2.2%) was significantly higher than that of foodservice (1.83%) and restaurant (1.93%) kimchi (p<0.05). Salinity in each group of food was highest in kimchi (1.83~2.04%), followed by braised dishes (1.54~1.78%), steamed dishes (1.0~1.22%), stir-fried dishes (1.02~1.18%), and soup or stew (0.74~1.02%) (p<0.001). The salinity of soup and stew from restaurants (1.02%) was significantly higher than that of home meal (0.84%) and foodservice (0.74%) soup and stew. Conclusions: Determination of the salinity of representative Korean foods known to be high in sodium by eating place is expected to be useful to establishing guidelines for reduction of salinity.

• Korean journal of food and cookery science
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.465-476
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• 2015

The purpose of this study was to develop sodium reduced foods for 10 representative high sodium foods often served in the food service industry, and to conduct sensory evaluation on the foods. The foods are kimchi, cucumber salad, banquet noodle, seaweed soup, ahuk soup, pork kimchi stew, red pepper paste pork chops, beef bulgogi, grilled mackerel and saury stew selected based on data from the 2010 national health and nutrition examination survey. The sodium contents of chinese cabbage kimchi were 688.1 mg in the control, 587.3 mg in the 15% reduced sodium sample group (level 1), and 486.5 mg in the 30% reduced sodium sample group (level 2). The corresponding sodium contents of cucumber salad were 406.4 mg, 345.5 mg, and 284.6 mg. The sodium contents of banquet noodle were 1080.2 mg, 912.2 mg, and 765.8 mg, respectively. The sodium contents of seaweed soup were 459.4 mg, 392.1 mg, and 333.0 mg, respectively. The sodium contents of ahuk soup were 615.3 mg, 534.9 mg, and 434.4 mg respectively. The sodium contents of pork kimchi stew were 1156.2 mg, 988.3 mg, and 820.2 mg respectively. The sodium contents of grilled mackerel were 624.6 mg, 557.4 mg, and 456.9 mg respectively. The sodium contents of red pepper paste pork chops were 723.7 mg, 615.0 mg, and 505.3 mg, respectively. The sodium contents of beef bulgogi were 678.3 mg, 561.9 mg, and 473.3 mg, respectively. The sodium contents of saury stew were 676.0 mg, 574.6 mg, and 470.9 mg respectively. Sensory evaluation was conducted with a total of 30 samples consisting of 10 control food groups, 15%, and 30% reduced sodium food groups. Results showed sodium reduction up to level 1 or 2 in chinese cabbage kimchi, cucumber salad, pork kimchi stew, red pepper paste pork chops, beef bulgogi, grilled mackerel and saury stew. However, the soups and noodles showed significant differences between the control and the 15% reduced sodium (level 1) food groups, specifically in banquet noodle, seaweed soup, ahuk soup.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.655-663
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• 2017

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze the sodium contents of representative Korean foods high in sodium and develop them as a fundamental resource for setting the standard amount of sodium in foods. Methods: A total of 480 representative Korean foods high in sodium were collected from households, foodservice establishments, and restaurants in four regions (Capital region, Chungcheong & Gangwon Province, Gyeongsang province, and Jeolla province) and analyzed their sodium content. Results: The sodium content (per 100 g) of food categorized by food group was highest in kimchi and braised food (p < 0.001), and the sodium content of each food was highest in stir-fried anchovies (1,896.6 mg) followed by braised burdock and lotus roots (820.6 mg) and picked onions (809.3 mg) (p < 0.001). However, the sodium content per portion of food was highest in steamed short ribs (1,429.6 mg) from home meals (p < 0.001), Bibimbap, (1,074.1 mg) and steamed short ribs (838.8 mg) from foodservice (p < 0.001), spicy beef soup (3,273.2 mg), and pollack stew (2,930.2 mg) from restaurants (p < 0.001). The sodium content per 100 g and portion of soups and stews from restaurants was significantly higher than that of home meals and foodservice meals (p < 0.001), and the sodium content per portion of steam dishes and stir-fried dishes from home meals was significantly higher than that of foodservice meals (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These results suggest that developing and using low-sodium soybean sauces & soybean paste and kimchi is needed in an effort to reduce sodium intake. In addition, determination of the sodium contents of representative Korean foods known to be high in sodium is expected to be useful in establishing guidelines for reduction of sodium content.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.185-193
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• 2019

Purpose: This study was conducted to develop standards for the salinity and sodium content in representative Korean foods high in sodium. Methods: A total of 600 foods from four seasonings (soy sauce, soybean paste, red pepper paste, and ssamjang) and 16 representative Korean foods high in sodium were collected from 10 households, 10 industry foodservice establishments, and 10 Korean restaurants in 10 cities nationwide and analyzed for their salinity and sodium content. Based on the findings, the standards with a 20% ~ 30% reduced sodium content and salinity from the current level were presented. Results: The suggested standards of salinity (and sodium content per 100 g) were less than 12% (4,500 mg) for soy sauce, 9% (3,500 mg) for soybean paste, 5% (2,000 mg) for red pepper paste, and 6% (2,500 mg) for ssamjang. The reduced standards of salinity for soups were suggested to less than 0.5% for clear soup and 0.7% for soybean paste soup, while for broths, it was 0.6% for clear broth and 0.7% for other broths. The standards of salinity for stews were suggested to less than 0.8% for soybean paste stew, 0.6% for other stews, 0.9% for steamed and stir-fried fish dishes, 1.0% for braised dishes, 4.0% for stir-fried dried fishes, 1.3% for other braised dishes including vegetables, and 1.5% for pickled vegetables and kimchi. Conclusion: Standards for the sodium content and salinity were suggested to reduce the sodium level in fermented soybean sauces and representative Korean high sodium dishes by 20% from the current levels. Nevertheless, it will be necessary to adjust the standards properly to reduce the sodium content and salinity further by considering the future status of sodium intake.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.8 no.6
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• pp.719-723
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• 2014

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: South Korean's sodium consumption level is more than twice the upper limit level suggested by the WHO. Steep increases in the prevalence of hypertension and cardiovascular disease in Korea necessitate more effective sodium reduction programs. This study was conducted in order to compare sodium intake-related eating behaviors and key psychosocial factors according to age group and gender. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Using an online survey, a total of 1,564 adults (20-59 years old) considered to be geographically representative of South Korea were recruited and surveyed. The major outcomes were perceived behaviors, knowledge, intentions, and self-efficacy related to sodium intake. RESULTS: The results show that perceived behavior and level of self-efficacy related to low sodium consumption differed by age and gender. Female participants showed better behavior and intention towards low sodium intake than male counterparts. Young participants in their 20s showed the lowest intention to change their current sodium intake as well as lowest self-efficacy measures. CONCLUSIONS: Future sodium reduction interventions should be developed with tailored messages targeting different age and gender groups. Specifically, interventions can be planned and implemented at the college level or for workers in their early career to increase their intention and self-efficacy as a means of preventing future health complications associated with high sodium intake.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.166-174
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was to compare dietary self-efficacy for sodium intake reduction and dietary behaviors by eating areas. Subjects (797 males and 767 females) were classified according to perceived dietary habit levels related to sodium intake (lowest: ${\leq}10$ (n=434), low: $11{\sim}{\leq}13$ (n=471), high: $14{\sim}{\leq}15$ (n=360), highest: $16{\leq}$ (n=299)) using an online survey with a sample that was geographically representative of the population. The highest group was significantly younger and had a higher student proportion than the lowest group. Dining contexts regarding home led to a significantly higher sodium intake in the highest group, but it was eating out for the lowest group. The highest group had a significantly lower intention to reduce sodium intake compared to the lowest group. In the home cooked meals, the highest group displayed a significantly lower cooking frequency, less effort with respect to a low sodium diet and cooking habits related to sodium intake as compared to the lowest group. Also, regarding eating out and food service, the highest group exhibited significantly lower efforts and dietary behaviors to reduce sodium intake than the lowest group. The dietary score for sodium reduction behavior in the highest group was significantly lower compared to the lowest group, for home cooked meals, eating out, as well as food service. Thus, dietary guidelines and nutrition education for the reduction of sodium intake by eating areas need to be developed and provided.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.771-777
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• 2017

Although Doenjang is a representative traditional fermented food in Korea, made mainly from soybeans, it has been classified into a food group identified as having high sodium in the National Health and Nutrition Examination. It is necessary to develop a low sodium Doenjang to prevent the excessive sodium intake which may cause various diseases. However, the development of Doenjang with low sodium, without significant changes on quality, is an ongoing challenge. Therefore, the experiment was designed to reduce the salt content of the soaking water to 12.5-45%. The pH, saltiness. moisture, sodium, color, amino-type nitrogen, free amino acids and constituent amino acids composition of Doenjang were investigated to determine the effect of this salt reduction on the sensory quality of Doenjang. The reduction of sodium did not affect the pH, moisture and saltiness, and this changed maintained the same range as the control. The sodium content was reduced proportionally, and the amino acid nitrogen level was 500 mg%. Therefore, this study considered that a reduction of 25% of salt in the soaking water does not affect the quality of the Doenjang while reducing the sodium content of the final Doenjang.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.39 no.8
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• pp.841-849
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• 2006

This study compared the nutritional quality of Korean adults's consumption of lunch prepared at home, commercial places, and institutions. The one day food intake data collected via 24-hour recall in the 2001 National Health and Nutrition Survey were analyzed. Individuals with 19-64 years of age were selected (n = 5,756). Sampling weights in the Survey were used to generate nationally representative estimates. Lunch was categorized into three groups according to the place where the lunch was prepared. home, commercial places, and institutions such as schools and work places. Comparison among the three groups was made for 19-39 years old men (n = 1,387) and women (n =1,572) and 40-64 years old men (n = 1,364) and women (1,433), respectively. The lunch prepared away from home contained more calories. The lunch prepared commercially was higher in calories percentages from fat than that prepared either at home or at institutions. Across the age and gender groups, lunch prepared at home contribute a high level of sodium intake. Among individuals with 40-64 years of age, but not those with 19-39 years of age, lunch prepared commercially was as sodium dense as that prepared at home. Among individuals with 19-39 years of age, the sodium density of lunch prepared commercially was about the same as that prepared at institutional food service of which the menus were planned by dieticians. Such differences in nutritional quality among meals prepared at home, commercial places, and institutions should be considered and applied for the content development of nutrition education and policy.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.341-352
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• 2012

It is well established that excessive sodium intake is related to a higher incidence of chronic diseases such as hypertension, stroke, coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease and gastric cancer. Although the upper limit of the current sodium intake guideline by WHO is set at 2,000 mg/day for adults, sodium intake of Koreans is well over 4,700 mg/capita/day implying an urgent need to develop and implement sodium intake reduction policy at the national level. This study investigated the cost-effectiveness of the sodium intake reduction policy, for the first time, in Korea. Analyses were performed using most recent and representative data on national health insurance statistics, healthcare utilization, employment information, disease morbidity/mortality, etc. The socioeconomic benefits of the policy, resulting from reduced morbidity of those relevant diseases, included lower medical expenditures, transportation costs, caregiver cost for inpatients and income losses. The socioeconomic benefits from diminished mortality included reductions in earning losses and welfare losses caused by early deaths. It is estimated that the amount of total benefits of reducing sodium intake from 4.7 g to 3.0 g is 12.6 trillion Korean Won; and the size of its cost is 149 billion Won. Assuming that the effect of sodium intake reduction would become gradually evident over a 5-year period, the implied rate of average return to the sodium reduction policy is 7,790% for the following 25 years, suggesting a very high cost-effectiveness. Accordingly, development and implementation of a mid-to-long term plan for a consistent sodium intake reduction policy is extremely beneficial and well warranted.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.21 no.5
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• pp.463-476
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• 2016

Objectives: Environmental, social and personal factors influence eating patterns. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between unhealthy food outlets within a residential area and obesity using nationally representative Korean survey data and data from the Census on Establishments. Methods: Data on the food intakes and socioeconomic variables of a total of 9,978 adults aged ${\geq}19$ years were obtained from the 2013-2014 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Geographic locations of restaurants were obtained from the 2013 Census on Establishments in Korea. Administrative area was categorized into tertiles of count of unhealthy food outlets based on the distribution of number of unhealthy food outlets among all urban (Dong) and rural (Eup or Myun) administrative districts in Korea. Multilevel logistic regressions model were used to assess the association between the number of unhealthy food outlets and obesity. Results: People living in the district with the highest count of unhealthy food outlets had higher intakes of fat (45.8 vs. 44.4 g/day), sodium (4,142.6 vs. 3,949.8 mg/day), and vitamin A (753.7 vs. $631.6 {\mu}gRE/day$) compared to those living in the district with the lowest count of unhealthy food outlets. A higher count of unhealthy food outlets was positively associated with frequent consumption of instant noodles, pizza, hamburgers and sandwiches, sweets and sour pork or pork cutlets, fried chicken, snacks, and cookies. Higher exposure to unhealthy food outlets was associated with increased odds of obesity (1st vs. 3rd tertile; OR 1.689; 95% CI 1.098-2.599). Conclusions: A high count of unhealthy food outlets within a residential area is positively associated with the prevalence of obesity in Korea. The results suggest that food environmental factors affects the health outcomes and interventions aiming to restrict the availability of unhealthy food outlets in local neighborhoods may be a useful obesity prevention strategy.