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Purpose of Review The scientific consensus on which global health organizations base public health policies is that high sodium intake increases blood pressure (BP) in a linear fashion contributing to cardiovascular disease (CVD). A moderate reduction in sodium intake to 2000 mg per day helps ensure that BP remains at a healthy level to reduce the burden of CVD. Recent Findings Yet, since as long ago as 1988, and more recently in eight articles published in the European Heart Journal in 2020 and 2021, some researchers have propagated a myth that reducing sodium does not consistently reduce CVD but rather that lower sodium might increase the risk of CVD. These claims are not well-founded and support some food and beverage industry’s vested interests in the use of excessive amounts of salt to preserve food, enhance taste, and increase thirst. Nevertheless, some researchers, often with funding from the food industry, continue to publish such claims without addressing the numerous objections. This article analyzes the eight articles as a case study, summarizes misleading claims, their objections, and it offers possible reasons for such claims. Summary Our study calls upon journal editors to ensure that unfounded claims about sodium intake be rigorously challenged by independent reviewers before publication; to avoid editorial writers who have been co-authors with the subject paper’s authors; to require statements of conflict of interest; and to ensure that their pages are used only by those who seek to advance knowledge by engaging in the scientific method and its collegial pursuit. The public interest in the prevention and treatment of disease requires no less.

Excessive salt and sodium intake are strongly associated with high blood pressure and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. High blood pressure in turn is the main risk factor for the global burden of morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of this disease in the adult population of Costa Rica in 2018 was 37.2%. Costa Rica has limited information on the economic costs for the public health system and related of the prevalence of this type of disease mediated by dietary factors such as salt intake. Objective: to estimate the economic benefits for the public health system related to salt reduction in Costa Rica for the year 2018. Methodology: estimation of the economic benefits for the public healthcare costs and productivity losses associated to reducing the per capita salt consumption of Costa Ricans to 5g/day, including the estimation of the Years of Life Productive Lost and of the direct costs on consultations, hospitalizations, and medications for the Costa Rica Social Security System. Results: The total annual costs of hospitalization, consultations, and medications attributable to excessive salt intake in the population older than 15 years of age for the year 2018, were estimated at USD $15.1 million. The highest were in hospitalizations (53%), followed by consultations and medications (32% and 15%, respectively). Conclusion: NCDs caused by excessive salt intake represent important economic losses for the country, not only in terms of direct health costs, but also indirect due to the increase in years of potential life lost due to premature deaths because of CVD, which causes significant losses of human capital and, therefore, to the economy and the development of Costa Rica.

In 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) published sodium targets for packaged foods, which included two distinct levels: one “regional” and one “lower” target. Changes to the sodium content of the food supply in Latin American Countries (LAC) has not been evaluated. A repeated cross-sectional study used food label data from 2015 (n = 3859) and 2018 (n = 5312) to determine changes in the proportion of packaged foods meeting the PAHO sodium targets and the distribution in the sodium content of foods in four LAC (Argentina, Costa Rica, Paraguay, Peru). Foods were classified into the 18 food categories in the PAHO targets. The proportion of foods meeting the regional targets increased from 82.9% to 89.3% between 2015 and 2018 (p &lt, 0.001). Overall, 44.4% of categories had significant decreases in mean sodium content. Categories with a higher proportion of foods meeting the regional and lower targets in 2018 compared to 2015 (p &lt, 0.05) were breaded meat and poultry, wet and dry soups, snacks, cakes, bread products, flavored cookies and crackers, and dry pasta and noodles. While positive progress has been made in reducing the sodium content of foods in LAC, sodium intakes in the region remain high. More stringent targets are required to support sodium reduction in LAC.

Excess dietary sodium is a global public health priority, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where rates of hypertension and cardiovascular disease are high. The International Development Research Centre funded a research consortium of five Latin American countries (LAC) to inform public health policy for dietary sodium reduction (2016–2020). The objective of this study was to determine the outcomes of this funding on short-term (e.g., research, capacity building) and intermediary outcomes (e.g., policies). A summative program evaluation was conducted, using a logic model and multiple data sources including document review, surveys and interviews. Researchers from Argentina, Costa Rica, Brazil, Peru and Paraguay produced a significant amount of scientific evidence to guide decision making on sodium policy related to its content in foods, consumer behaviors (social marketing), and the health and economic benefits of dietary reduction. A substantive number of knowledge translation products were produced. The funding enabled training opportunities for researchers who developed skills that can be scaled-up to other critical nutrients and health issues. It was unexpected that intermediary policy changes would occur, however several countries demonstrated early policy improvements derived from this research. A funded research consortium of LAC is a practical approach to invoke policy innovations.

Sodium availability and food sources in 2018–2019 were estimated and trends analyzed for 15 years (2004–2019) in Costa Rica. Food purchase records from the National Household Income and Expenditure Survey (ENIGH) 2018–2019 were converted to energy and sodium using food composition tables measuring “apparent consumption”. Foods were classified by sodium content. ENIGH is a probabilistic, stratified, two-stage and replicated national survey, carried out regularly by the national statistics institution. Results from the 2004–2005 and 2012–2013 ENIGHs came from previous analysis. Differences between periods were determined through descriptive and inferential statistics. The available sodium adjusted to 2000 kcal/person/day was 3.40, 3.86, and 3.84 g/person/day (g/p/d) for periods 2004–2005, 2013–2014, and 2018–2019, respectively. In this last period, this was 3.94 urban and 3.60 g/p/d rural (p < 0.05), with a non-linear increase with income. During 2004–2019 sodium from salt and salt-based condiments increased from 69.5 to 75.5%; the contribution of common salt increased, from 60.2 to 64.8% and condiments without added salt from 9.3 to 10.7%. From 2012–2013 to 2018–2019, processed and ultra-processed foods with added sodium intake increased from 14.2 to 16.9% and decreased in prepared meals (7.2 to 2.8%). Costa Rica has been successful in reducing salt/sodium available for consumption; after a 12% increase of salt consumption between 2004–2005 and 2012–2013, to a level almost twice as high as recommended, it has stabilized in the last period.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent the leading cause of death in Costa Rica and high blood pressure was associated with a mortality rate of 29% in 2018. The average household sodium intake in the country is also two times higher than the World Health Organization recommendation. The objective of this study was to estimate the impact of reducing salt intake on CVD mortality in Costa Rica using a scenario simulation model. The Preventable Risk Integrated ModEl (PRIME) was used to estimate the number of deaths that would be averted or delayed in the Costa Rican population by following the national and the international guidelines to reduce salt consumption, according to two scenarios: A) 46% reduction and B) 15% reduction, both at an energy intake of 2171 kcal. The scenarios estimated that between 4% and 13%, respectively, of deaths due to CVD would be prevented or postponed. The highest percentages of deaths prevented or postponed by type of CVD would be related to Coronary heart disease (39% and 38%, respectively), Hypertensive disease (32% and 33%, respectively), and Stroke (22% in both). The results demonstrate that reducing salt consumption could prevent or postpone an important number of deaths in Costa Rica. More support for existing policies and programs urges.

This research aims to study the food practices and perceptions related to excessive consumption of salt/sodium when cooking and eating outside the home in a study population representing the wide intergenerational and sociocultural diversity of Costa Rica. Key communities from around the country, cultural experts, and key informants were selected. Four qualitative research techniques were applied. Data was systematized based on the Social Ecological Model. Women are generally in charge of cooking and family food purchases. Salt is perceived as a basic ingredient, used in small amounts that can be reduced—but not eliminated—when cooking. Changes in food preparations and emotions associated with the consumption of homemade food with salt were identified. The population likes to eat out, where the establishments selected depend mainly on age group and income. Beyond cultural and geographical differences, age aspects are suggested as being the main differentiators, in terms of use of salt, seasonings, and condiments in the preparation of food at home, the recipes prepared, and the selection of establishments in which to eat out. The deeply rooted values and meanings associated with salt in food indicate that the implementation of salt reduction strategies in Costa Rica is challenging.

The objectives of this study were to estimate sodium intake and to identify the main dietary sources of this nutrient in young people. Cross-sectional study performed in 2685 students from 64 schools and high-schools of Costa Rica. A food frequency survey was applied to study the food and beverage intake habits of the participants. The average daily sodium intake for children and adolescents 7 to 18 years of age was 3214 mg. Around 97% of the students had sodium intakes > 2300 mg per day with significant differences by age subgroup, sex and nutritional status due to excess body weight (p < 0.001). The average sodium density of the diet was 1698 mg sodium/1000kcal, and the average addition of salt to the food was 445 mg of sodium (1.1 grams of salt). Including the amount added to the served food, the average sodium intake for children and adolescents from 7 to 18 years of age increased to 3434 mg and the overall average sodium density increased to 1821 mg of sodium/ 1000kcal, maintaining significant differences by age subgroups (p < 0.001). These results justify carrying out social marketing campaigns that include educational processes with sense and meaning for children, adolescents and families, in such a way that these groups of the population become motivated to modify gradually their eating habits, such as reducing the use of sauces, seasonings and salt in food preparation and at the table. If the habit of adding salt to the served food is gradually reduced or avoided, the children and adolescents in Costa Rica could decrease the intake of salt per day from 1 to 2 grams. This decrease could be even more effective if youngsters additionally would remove the intake of sauces, contributing in this way to achieve the maximum salt intake recommendation (5 g per day). UCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias de la Salud::Centro de Investigación en Hematología y Trastornos Afines (CIHATA)

El consumo de bebidas azucaradas está vinculado con un mayor riesgo de obesidad. OBJETIVOS: Comparar el contenido de azúcares declarado en el etiquetado nutricional de diferentes bebidas no alcohólicas comercializadas en Argentina y Costa Rica. MÉTODOS: Se recogieron datos de azúcares reportados en 13 categorías de bebidas no alcohólicas comercializadas en supermercados en 2012 y 2013. En ambos países se calculó la media de azúcares en una porción estándar de 200 ml. RESULTADOS: Dentro de las bebidas no alcohólicas comercializadas en Argentina (n=287) y Costa Rica (n=495) predominaron las azucaradas (77,6%), de las cuales la mayoría (56%; n=435) mostró contenidos de azúcares por encima del 20% del valor diario recomendado por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Costa Rica presentó en promedio niveles superiores a los de Argentina. Las categorías con mayor contenido de azúcares en Costa Rica fueron: néctares (24,7 g/200 ml), jugos de fruta (22,5 g/200 ml) y gaseosas regulares (22,5 g/200 ml). En Argentina, gaseosas regulares (20,9 g/200 ml), jugos de fruta (18,5 g/200 ml) y bebidas a base de soja (14,9 g/200 ml). CONCLUSIONES: Este es el primer estudio que analiza y compara el contenido de azúcares de bebidas no alcohólicas en dos países latinoamericanos. El alto contenido observado y la elevada prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad en la región evidencian la necesidad de establecer políticas públicas para reducir el consumo de bebidas azucaradas

The industry uses nutrition and health claims, premium offers, and promotional characters as marketing strategies (MS). The inclusion of these MS on ultra-processed products may influence child and adolescent purchase behavior. This study determined the proportion of foods carrying claims and marketing strategies, also the proportion of products with critical nutrients declaration, and nutritional profile differences between products that carry or not claims and MS on the front-of-package (FoP) of ultra-processed food products sold in Costa Rica. Data were obtained from 2423 photographs of seven food groups consumed as snacks that were sold in one of the most widespread and popular hypermarket chains in Costa Rica in 2015. Ten percent of products lacked a nutrition facts panel. Sodium was the least reported critical nutrient. Energy and critical nutrients were significantly highest in products that did not include any nutrition or health claim and in products that included at least one MS. Forty-four percent and 10% of all products displayed at least one nutrition or at least one health claim, respectively, and 23% displayed at least one MS. In conclusion, regulations are needed to restrict claims and marketing on ultra-processed food packages to generate healthier food environments and contribute to the prevention of childhood and adolescent obesity in Costa Rica.

Dietary risks in aggregate are the leading risk for death globally. Among dietary risks, high dietary sodium (salt) is the leading risk.1 Globally, excess dietary sodium is estimated to have caused over 3 million deaths and over 70 million disability‐adjusted life‐years (DALYS) in 2017.1, 2 High dietary sodium is predominantly a risk as a result of increasing blood pressure (the leading single risk for death globally) but is also a probable pro‐carcinogen for gastric cancer, directly causes cardiovascular and renal damage independent of blood pressure, and is associated with several other diseases.1, 3-11 The recent National Academy of Medicine review of the evidence for dietary sodium consumption in United States and Canada concluded that excess dietary sodium increases blood pressure, that elevated blood pressure causes cardiovascular disease (CVD) and that there is moderately strong evidence that high dietary sodium directly increases total mortality and cardiovascular events.12 In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that increased dietary sodium increases blood pressure and is associated with CVD.13 Multiple other diseases have associations and biologically sound pathophysiological mechanisms for sodium causing harm, but clinical evidence is not substantive enough to prove causality.3 In addition, acute ingestion of sodium chloride (salt) in the range of 17 g or more in an adult, and 12.5 g or more in an infant can cause seizures, coma, and death. Although ingestions of large quantities of sodium are very distasteful and believed to be infrequent, both accidental and intentional deaths do occur.12, 14

High blood pressure is a leading cause of death in Costa Rica, with an estimated mortality rate of 30%. The average household sodium intake is two times higher than the World Health Organization recommendation. The consumption of processed foods is an important and growing contributor to sodium intake. The objective of this study was to describe the sodium content of packaged foods (mg/100 g) sold in Costa Rica in 2015 (n = 1158) and 2018 (n = 1016) and to assess their compliance with the national sodium reduction targets. All 6 categories with national targets were analyzed: condiments, cookies and biscuits, bread products, processed meats, bakery products, and sauces. A significant reduction in mean sodium content was found in only 3 of the 19 subcategories (cakes, tomato-based sauces, and tomato paste). No subcategories had statistically significant increases in mean sodium levels, but seasonings for sides/mains, ham, and sausage categories were at least 15% higher in sodium. Compliance with the national sodium targets among all foods increased from 80% in 2015 to 87% in 2018. The results demonstrate that it is feasible to reduce the sodium content in packaged foods in Costa Rica, but more work is needed to continually support a gradual reduction of sodium in packaged foods, including more stringent sodium targets.

Population-wide sodium reduction is a cost-effective approach to address the adverse health effects associated with excess sodium consumption. Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries consume excess dietary sodium. Packaged foods are a major contributor to sodium intake and a target for sodium reduction interventions. This study examined sodium levels in 12 categories of packaged foods sold in 14 LAC (n = 16,357). Mean sodium levels and percentiles were examined. Sodium levels were compared to regional sodium reduction targets. In this baseline analysis, 82% of foods met the regional target and 47% met the lower target. The greatest proportion of products meeting the regional target were uncooked pasta and noodles (98%), flavored cookies/crackers (97%), seasonings for sides/main dishes (96%), mayonnaise (94%), and cured/preserved meats (91%). A large proportion of foods met the lower target among uncooked pasta and noodles (88%), cooked pasta and noodles (88%), and meat/fish seasonings (88%). The highest the highest median sodium levels were among condiments (7778 mg/100 g), processed meats (870 mg/100 g), mayonnaise (755 mg/100 g), bread products (458 mg/100 g), cheese (643 mg/100 g), and snack foods (625 mg/100 g). These baseline data suggest that sodium reduction targets may need to be more stringent to enable effective lowering of sodium intake.

In 2012, Costa Rica launched a program to reduce salt and sodium consumption to prevent cardiovascular disease and associated risk factors, but little was known about the level of sodium consumption or its sources. Our aim was to estimate the magnitude and time trends of sodium consumption (based on food and beverage acquisitions) in Costa Rica. Data from the National Household Income and Expenditure Surveys carried out in 2004–2005 (n = 4231) and 2012–2013 (n = 5705) were used. Records of food purchases for household consumption were converted into sodium and energy using food composition tables. Mean sodium availability (per person/per day and adjusted for a 2000-kcal energy intake) and the contribution of food groups to this availability were estimated for each year. Sodium availability increased in the period from 3.9 to 4.6 g/person/day (p < 0.001). The income level was inversely related to sodium availability. The main sources of sodium in the diet were domestic salt (60%) in addition to processed foods and condiments (with added sodium) (27.4%). Dietary sources of sodium varied within surveys (p < 0.05). Sodium available for consumption in Costa Rican households largely exceeds the World Health Organization-recommended intake levels (

Salt is a major determinant of population blood pressure levels. Salt intake in Costa Rica is above levels required for good health. With an increasing number of Costa Ricans visiting fast food restaurants, it is likely that fast-food is contributing to daily salt intake. Salt content data from seven popular fast food chains in Costa Rica were collected in January 2013. Products were classified into 10 categories. Mean salt content was compared between chains and categories. Statistical analysis was performed using Welch ANOVA and Tukey–Kramer HSD tests. Significant differences were found between companies; Subway products had lowest mean salt content (0.97 g/100 g; p

En el presente artículo se describen los avances logrados en Costa Rica -así como los desafíos y limitaciones- en la reducción del consumo de sal. El establecimiento del Plan Nacional para la Reducción del Consumo de Sal/sodio en la Población de Costa Rica 2011 - 2021 se complementó con programas y proyectos multisectoriales específicos dirigidos a: 1) conocer la ingesta de sodio y el contenido de sal o sodio en los alimentos de mayor consumo; identificar los conocimientos, actitudes y comportamientos del consumidor respecto a la sal/sodio, su relación con la salud y el etiquetado nutricio-nal; evaluar la relación costo-efectividad de las medidas dirigidas a reducir la prevalencia de hipertensión arterial; 2) implementar estrategias para disminuir el contenido de sal/sodio en los alimentos procesados y los preparados en casa; 3) promover cambios de conducta en la población para reducir el consumo de sal en la alimentación; y 4) monitorear y evaluar las acciones dirigidas a reducir el consumo de sal o sodio en la población. Para alcanzar las metas propuestas se debe lograr una exitosa coordinación interinstitucional con los actores estratégicos, negociar compromisos con la industria alimentaria y los servicios de alimentación, y mejorar la regulación de los nutrientes críticos asociados con las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, en los alimentos. Se espera que a partir de los avances logrados durante la ejecución del Plan Nacional, Costa Rica logre alcanzar la meta internacional de reducción del consumo de sal.This article describes the progress-as well as the challenges and limitations-in reducing salt intake in Costa Rica. The National Plan to Reduce Public Consumption of Salt/Sodium in Costa Rica 2011 - 2021 was complemented with multisectoral programs and projects specifically designed to: 1) determine sodium intake and the salt/sodium content of the most widely consumed foods; identify the consumer knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors with regard to salt/sodium, their relationship to health, and nutritional labeling; evaluate the cost-effectiveness of measures aimed at reducing the incidence of hypertension; 2) implement strategies to reduce the salt/sodium content of processed foods and foods prepared at home; 3) promote behavioral changes in the population to reduce salt in people's diets; and 4) monitor and evaluate action geared to reducing salt/sodium intake in the population. Meeting the proposed targets will require successful interinstitutional coordination among the strategic actors, the negotiation of commitments with the food industry and food services, and tighter regulation of critical nutrients in foods associated with chronic noncommunicable diseases. Given the progress made during the implementation of the National Plan, Costa Rica is expected to meet the international goal of reducing salt intake.

This article describes the progress-as well as the challenges and limitations-in reducing salt intake in Costa Rica. The National Plan to Reduce Public Consumption of Salt/Sodium in Costa Rica 2011 - 2021 was complemented with multisectoral programs and projects specifically designed to: 1) determine sodium intake and the salt/sodium content of the most widely consumed foods; identify the consumer knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors with regard to salt/sodium, their relationship to health, and nutritional labeling; evaluate the cost-effectiveness of measures aimed at reducing the incidence of hypertension; 2) implement strategies to reduce the salt/sodium content of processed foods and foods prepared at home; 3) promote behavioral changes in the population to reduce salt in people's diets; and 4) monitor and evaluate action geared to reducing salt/sodium intake in the population. Meeting the proposed targets will require successful interinstitutional coordination among the strategic actors, the negotiation of commitments with the food industry and food services, and tighter regulation of critical nutrients in foods associated with chronic noncommunicable diseases. Given the progress made during the implementation of the National Plan, Costa Rica is expected to meet the international goal of reducing salt intake.

resumenPalabras clave Las enfermedades cronicas no transmi-sibles ocasionan dos de cada tres muertes en la poblacion general de America La-tina y casi la mitad de todas las defuncio-nes en personas menores de 70 anos (1). Se estima que su contribucion a la carga global de enfermedad aumentara en los proximos anos, principalmente en los paises de menos recursos economicos (2), en parte debido al envejecimiento de la poblacion, la disminucion de la actividad fisica y la transicion nutricional (3, 4).La presion arterial elevada es el factor de riesgo mas importante de muerte e Investigacion original / Original research 1 Instituto Costarricense de Investigacion y Ense-nanza en Nutricion y Salud (INCIENSA), San Jose, Costa Rica. La correspondencia se debe enviar a Germana Sanchez. Correo electronico: gmsanchez@inciensa.sa.cr. 2 Centro de Estudios de Estado y Sociedad (CEDES), Buenos Aires, Argentina. 3 Escuela de Nutriologia de la Universidad Interna-cional del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador.

OBJETIVO: Identificar los conocimientos, percepciones y comportamientos relacionados con el consumo de la sal y el sodio alimentarios y su relación con la salud y el etiquetado nutricional de los alimentos, en tres países de la Región. MÉTODOS: Estudio cualitativo-exploratorio basado en entrevistas semiestructuradas, según las categorías del modelo de creencias en salud. Se realizaron 34 entrevistas y 6 grupos focales con líderes comunales (71 informantes en total) en áreas rurales y urbanas de Argentina, Costa Rica y Ecuador. RESULTADOS: El consumo de sal varía en las áreas rurales y urbanas de los tres países. Para la mayoría de los entrevistados, los alimentos no se podrían consumir sin sal y solo las personas que consumen una cantidad excesiva de sal tendrían riesgos para la salud. Se desconoce que los alimentos procesados contienen sal y sodio. Aunque no medían la cantidad de sal agregada a las comidas, los participantes consideraban que consumían poca sal y no percibían su salud en riesgo. La mayoría de los informantes no revisaba la información nutricional y los que lo hacían manifestaron no comprenderla. CONCLUSIONES: Existe un conocimiento popular en relación con la sal, no así con el término "sodio". Se consume más sal y sodio de lo informado y no hay perspectivas de reducción. Aunque se sabe que el consumo excesivo de sal representa un riesgo para la salud, no se perciben en riesgo. El reemplazo de la palabra sodio por sal facilitaría la elección de los alimentos.OBJECTIVE: To identify the knowledge, perceptions, and behavior related to the consumption of salt and sodium in food and its relationship to health and the nutritional labeling of food in three countries of the Region. METHODS: Qualitative-exploratory study based on semi-structured interviews, according to the categories of the Health Belief Model. Thirty-four interviews and six focus groups were conducted with community leaders (71 total respondents) in rural and urban areas of Argentina, Costa Rica, and Ecuador. RESULTS: Salt consumption varies in the rural and urban areas of the three countries. Most interviewees felt that food could not be consumed unsalted and that only people who consume an excessive amount of salt would have health risks. They did not know that processed food contains salt and sodium. Although they did not measure the amount of aggregate salt in foods, the participants believed that they consumed little salt and did not perceive that their health was at risk. The majority of the participants did not review nutritional information, and those who did said that they did not understand it. CONCLUSIONS: There is public awareness about salt, but not about the term "sodium." More salt and sodium are consumed than what is reported and there are no prospects of reducing that consumption. Although it is understood that excessive consumption of salt is a health risk, participants do not perceive that they are at risk. Replacing the word "sodium" with the word "salt" would facilitate food selection.

The Costa Rican Food Composition Information System (SICA-COR) has been developed to address the increased demands for local food information by health workers, decision makers, food industry, international commerce, and consumers. It has a software application that allows updating and managing of information in a more versatile, cost-effective and accessible way than conventional food composition database systems. The purpose of this work is to present the development and current state of SICA-COR. The system was developed using four main steps, identification of available food composition data, sources and needs; data capture and quality evaluation; development of the SICA-COR software; and establishment of the database. SICA-COR has a validated, LATINFOODS-compatible information capture form which includes detailed descriptions of the data sources, food names, and quality parameters and allows for inclusion of data for more than 80 nutritional components per 100 g edible food. The software was developed using a Microsoft ® SQL Server database engine and Java™. Of 1200 completed compilation forms, 83% fulfilled LATINFOODS standards and were incorporated into the database. Most of the data consists of values for energy, water, carbohydrate, fat, protein and ash. Pre-designed reports are available for specific and general end users such as members of the LATINFOODS Regional Center. The current SICA-COR Version (0.9) is a stand-alone application intended to eventually evolve to a web application. Specific actions to test and improve the software are underway.

Bread is highly consumed by population, making it one of the main sources of sodium in the diet, despite being moderate in salt. Mean while, snacks have high sodium content, but are less consumed by the general population. The aim of this study was to determine by direct analysis the baseline of sodium in breads and snacks most consumed in Costa Rica and verify compliance with the Central American Technical Regulation on Nutritional Labeling. Foods samples were classified by type, trade mark, method and place of production. Samples were collected in supermarkets and bakeries in the Great Metropolitan Area between 2011 and 2012. Primary sample comprised 99 breads and 84 snacks, and analytical sample 33 and 28, respectively. The sodium content was determined by flame emission spectrophotometer. Breads showed between 496 and 744 mg/100 g sodium, 45% included nutritional labeling and 80% reported greater amount than found by direct analysis. Industrialized breads except the whole grain varieties, complied with regulations. In snacks, sodium content ranged from 276 to 1221 mg/100 g, all had nutritional labeling and 43% reported less content, in breach of the regulations. The study provides baseline data to initiate sodium reduction and direct analysis confirms that it is essential to know with certainty the sodium content in foods.

This article describes the progress-as well as the challenges and limitations-in reducing salt intake in Costa Rica. The National Plan to Reduce Public Consumption of Salt/Sodium in Costa Rica 2011 - 2021 was complemented with multisectoral programs and projects specifically designed to: 1) determine sodium intake and the salt/sodium content of the most widely consumed foods; identify the consumer knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors with regard to salt/sodium, their relationship to health, and nutritional labeling; evaluate the cost-effectiveness of measures aimed at reducing the incidence of hypertension; 2) implement strategies to reduce the salt/sodium content of processed foods and foods prepared at home; 3) promote behavioral changes in the population to reduce salt in people's diets; and 4) monitor and evaluate action geared to reducing salt/sodium intake in the population. Meeting the proposed targets will require successful interinstitutional coordination among the strategic actors, the negotiation of commitments with the food industry and food services, and tighter regulation of critical nutrients in foods associated with chronic noncommunicable diseases. Given the progress made during the implementation of the National Plan, Costa Rica is expected to meet the international goal of reducing salt intake.

To identify the knowledge, perceptions, and behavior related to the consumption of salt and sodium in food and its relationship to health and the nutritional labeling of food in three countries of the Region.Qualitative-exploratory study based on semi-structured interviews, according to the categories of the Health Belief Model. Thirty-four interviews and six focus groups were conducted with community leaders (71 total respondents) in rural and urban areas of Argentina, Costa Rica, and Ecuador.Salt consumption varies in the rural and urban areas of the three countries. Most interviewees felt that food could not be consumed unsalted and that only people who consume an excessive amount of salt would have health risks. They did not know that processed food contains salt and sodium. Although they did not measure the amount of aggregate salt in foods, the participants believed that they consumed little salt and did not perceive that their health was at risk. The majority of the participants did not review nutritional information, and those who did said that they did not understand it.There is public awareness about salt, but not about the term "sodium." More salt and sodium are consumed than what is reported and there are no prospects of reducing that consumption. Although it is understood that excessive consumption of salt is a health risk, participants do not perceive that they are at risk. Replacing the word "sodium" with the word "salt" would facilitate food selection.

Excess energy, saturated fat, sugar and salt from processed and fast foods are a major cause of chronic disease worldwide. In 2010 The Food Monitoring Group established a global branded food composition database to track the nutritional content of foods and make comparisons between countries, food companies and over time. A protocol for the project was agreed and published in 2011 with 24 collaborating countries. Standardised tools and a website have been developed to facilitate data collection and entry. In 2010 data were obtained from nine countries, in 2011 from 12 and in 2012 data are anticipated from 10 additional countries. This collaborative approach to the collation of food composition data offers potential for cross-border collaboration and support in developed and developing countries. The project should contribute significantly to tracking progress of the food industry and governments towards commitments made at the recent UN high level meeting on chronic disease.

Chronic diseases are the leading cause of premature death and disability in the world with overnutrition a primary cause of diet-related ill health. Excess energy intake, saturated fat, sugar, and salt derived from processed foods are a major cause of disease burden. Our objective is to compare the nutritional composition of processed foods between countries, between food companies, and over time.Surveys of processed foods will be done in each participating country using a standardized methodology. Information on the nutrient composition for each product will be sought either through direct chemical analysis, from the product label, or from the manufacturer. Foods will be categorized into 14 groups and 45 categories for the primary analyses which will compare mean levels of nutrients at baseline and over time. Initial commitments to collaboration have been obtained from 21 countries.This collaborative approach to the collation and sharing of data will enable objective and transparent tracking of processed food composition around the world. The information collected will support government and food industry efforts to improve the nutrient composition of processed foods around the world.

Tropical roots and tubers (TRT) are important staple foods in the tropics. TRT are produced by small farmers and have received only limited attention. The objective of this paper was to evaluate nutritionally important carbohydrate fractions and proximal composition of cooked cassava (Manihot esculenta), cocoyam- or tannia- (Xantosoma sp) and yam (Dioscorea alata) grown in Costa Rica. Twenty boiled samples of each TRT were analyzed for proximal composition, following AOAC protocols. Carbohydrate fractions (dietary fiber, available and resistant starch) and alpha-amylolysis rate were assessed by enzymatic methods. All TRT analyzed consisted mainly of water and carbohydrates, representing moderate dietary fiber and energy sources. They show a low protein level and contain no fat. Moisture, protein, ashes and dietary fiber contents vary significantly (p0.01) among the three species. In terms of their proximal composition, these locally grown TRT differ from TRTs cultivated in the South Pacific area, but appear similar to other Latin American varieties. In all samples most of the dietary fiber (84-88%) is insoluble; available starch ranges between 74 and 84% of the dry matter, whereas resistant starch content varied between 0.7 and 1.7%. Amylolysis rate was similar for cassava and cocoyam, whereas a significantly slower digestion (p0.01) was recorded for yam. Compared to values reported in the literature for other starchy foods and to gelatinized potato starch, used as reference sample, the studied TRT showed intermediate amylolysis rates. It is concluded that consumption of these TRT may be promoted in Costa Rica and other countries with a similar nutritional situation.