A8338 Effects of long-term enriched potassium salt consumption on premature death in Chinese living in nursing houses—preliminary analysis

Objectives: To observe the effects of long-term (4 years) consumption of enriched potassium salt (KCl: NaCl = 1: 1) on safety and all cause mortality especially for aged < 70 years old people in Chinese living in nursing houses. Methods: This study was designed as a single blind prospective interventional study. Participants were living in 28 nursing houses in northern China. The nursing houses were simply randomized into 2 groups: normal salt (control group) and enriched potassium salt (intervention group), Follow-up visits were carried out 6 times during 4 years. The follow-up included a questionnaire, physical examination, blood sample and spot urine sample collection. Data of people moved in or moved out were also collected, including deaths. The all cause mortality was calculated by observed person-year (P-Y). Results: The baseline survey was carried out in 2011–2012. The mean age, SBP, DBP, fasting glucose and total cholesterol were comparable between control and intervention groups. After 4 years, the mean of blood pressure and urinary sodium to potassium ratio were significantly decreased in the intervention group compared with the control group; serum creatinine and potassium in the intervention group remained in the normal range. Totally, 393 deaths occurred in the control group (all cause mortality 71.16/1000 p-y) and 259 deaths in the intervention group (mortality 60.79/1000p-y) X2 = 4.149, P = 0.042). Premature death is defined by the WHO between 30 to 69 yrs of age. Accordingly, the mortality by age group (<70 and > = 70yr) is presented below: Conclusion: These preliminary results demonstrate that long-term consumption of enriched K salt is safe and can reduce all cause mortality in Chinese < 70 years old. Further implementation studies of enriched K salt in the general population are expected.