CDC: High Sodium, Low Potassium Diet Linked to Increased Risk of Death

A new study by found that Americans who eat a high in sodium and low in potassium diet have a 50-percent higher risk of death and twice the risk of a heart attack related death.

"The study's findings are particularly troubling because U.S. adults consume an average of 3,300 milligrams of sodium per day, more than twice the current recommended limit for most Americans," said Elena Kuklina, an investigator on the study, in a news release. Kuklina is also a nutritional epidemiologist with CDC's Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention.

The study looked at data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a survey that analyzed "the health and nutritional" patterns of adults in the United States.

"This study provides further evidence to support current public health recommendations to reduce sodium levels in processed foods, given that nearly 80 percent of people's sodium intake comes from packaged and restaurant foods. Increasing potassium intake may have additional health benefits," Kuklina said.

"The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends limiting intake of sodium to 1,500 milligrams per day for people 51 and older, African Americans, and those who have high blood pressure, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease—about half the U.S. population ages 2 and older," according to the CDC. "The dietary guidelines recommend that all other people consume less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day."

The guidelines also recommend 4,700 milligrams of potassium per day.

For more information on the study, visit the CDC website.