Relationship between salt taste sensitivity threshold (STST) and dietary sodium consumption among multi-ethnic older adults in Malaysia

Salt taste sensitivity threshold (STST) is linked to sodium consumption, particularly among older adults. Reduced salt taste perception as people age may change how flavours are recognized, leading to compensatory behaviours like consuming more salt or favouring foods high in sodium. Excessive consumption of sodium over time raises blood pressure, increases cardiovascular strain, and may negatively impact cerebrovascular health, all of which increase the risk of cognitive impairment. However, to our knowledge, no studies have specifically examined the relationship between STST and sodium consumption among Malaysian older adults. This study investigated the relationship between STST and sodium consumption using dietary assessment and 24-hour urinary sodium excretion (24HUNaV). A cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 older adults (≥ 60 years) from Pusat Aktiviti Warga Emas (PAWE ) in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Sodium consumption was assessed using the Salt Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ-Na) and 24HUNaV. STST was measured by the intraoral dropping method with sodium chloride solutions categorized according to population percentiles as low STST (< 30 mmol/L), moderate STST (30–120 mmol/L) and high STST (> 120 mmol/L). Multinomial logistic regression (MLR) determined associations between STST and sodium consumption. Older adults in the low STST group had the longest years of formal education (11.5 ± 3.6 years), whereas those in the high STST group showed the highest prevalence of denture use (61.3%). Mean sodium consumption was 1936.9 mg/day (FFQ-Na) and 2839.6 mg/day (24HUNaV). In adjusted models, FFQ-Na consumption was associated with moderate STST (aOR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.23–3.22) and high STST (aOR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.35–3.59) while 24HUNaV showed a similar association with moderate STST (aOR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.07–2.37). Higher sodium consumption was associated with elevated STST among multi-ethnic Malaysian older adults. Those with reduced salt taste sensitivity tend to consume more sodium. STST may have potential utility for identifying older adults who may benefit from further dietary sodium assessment.