Potassium Intake of the U.S. Population, What We Eat In America, NHANES 2017-2018

Authors: Hoy, M Katherine; Goldman, Joseph; Moshfegh, Alanna

Submitted to: Worldwide Web Site: Food Surveys Research Group
Publication Type: Research Technical Update
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/19/2022
Publication Date: 9/29/2022
Citation: Hoy, M.K., Goldman, J.D., Moshfegh, A.J. 2022. Potassium Intake of the U.S. Population, What We Eat In America, NHANES 2017-2018. Worldwide Web Site: Food Surveys Research Group. Available: https://www.ars.usda.gov/nea/bhnrc/fsrg/wweia/dbrief.

Interpretive Summary: Potassium is identified in the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans as a nutrient of concern as it is associated with health benefits but is under consumed by most individuals. This report presents data on potassium intake of the U.S. population using dietary intake data from What We Eat In America, NHANES 2017-2018. Foods that contribute to dietary potassium intake are also discussed. In 2017-2018, the average daily potassium intake of the population 2 years and older was 2496 mg. Potassium intake of males 12 years and older was significantly higher than females due to their higher energy intake. There were no other differences between age groups. Potassium density (mg potassium per 1000 kilocalories) of the diets of all females 2+ years were higher than their male counterparts. Except for males 20 years and older, most individuals consumed less than 2600 mg on the reporting day. Among adults, Non-Hispanic Blacks, particularly males, had a lower potassium intake than other race/ethnicity groups; there were no differences in potassium intake among females by race/ethnicity. Differences by race/ethnicity were similar for potassium density. There were no differences in potassium intake by income level. Top contributors to potassium intake were Fruits, Vegetables, and 100% Juices (23%), Grain-based Mixed Dishes (15%) and Meats and Poultry (10%).

Technical Abstract: Potassium is identified in the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans as a nutrient of concern as it is associated with health benefits but is under consumed by most individuals. This report presents data on potassium intake of the U.S. population using dietary intake data from What We Eat In America, NHANES 2017-2018. Foods that contribute to dietary potassium intake are also discussed. In 2017-2018, the average daily potassium intake of the population 2 years and older was 2496 mg. Potassium intake of males 12 years and older was significantly higher than females (P<0.001). Within gender, differences were not significant among those 2-19 years and among adults 20+ years. When potassium density is examined after adjusting for energy intake, potassium density of the diets of all females 2+ years as well as those 20+ years were significantly higher than their male counterparts (P<0.001). Except for males 20 years and older, most individuals consumed less than 2600 mg on the reporting day. Among adults, Non-Hispanic Blacks had a lower potassium intake than other race/ethnicity groups (P<0.001). Potassium intake of Non-Hispanic Black males was significantly lower than Non-Hispanic White and Hispanic males; there were no differences in potassium intake among females by race/ethnicity. Differences by race/ethnicity were similar for potassium density, though Non-Hispanic Whites had a significantly lower potassium density compared to Non-Hispanic Asians (P<0.001). There were no differences in potassium intake by income level. Top contributors to potassium intake were Fruits, Vegetables, and 100% Juices (23%), Grain-based Mixed Dishes (15%) and Meats and Poultry (10%).