The effect of chloride-containing potassium supplements on chloride titrator estimates of dietary sodium intake.

To examine the effect of chloride-containing potassium supplements on chloride titrator estimates of dietary sodium intake, we gave normal subjects diet containing 10, 100, or 200 mEq/d sodium in random order either as such, or supplemented with one of two potassium supplements. One regimen consisted of potassium 45 mEq/d with 12 mEq/d chloride and 33 mEq/d of citrate and gluconate; the other contained 48 mEq/d potassium and 48mEq/d chloride. Increased potassium intake with either supplemented regimen resulted in increased 24-hour potassium excretion, which was manifested in only the diurnal collections. Increased chloride intake resulted in increased urinary chloride excretion both during the day and at night. At all chloride intakes, urinary sodium and chloride excretion were highly correlated. The 48 mEq/d chloride intake generated a relationship with the same slope but with a different intercept from the other two regimens. The highest chloride intake resulted in a greater chloride titrator reading; however, the relationship was sufficiently predictable that adjustments in interpretation could be easily made. We conclude that if daily potassium chloride intake is known, chloride titrators continue to be reliable tools for estimating dietary sodium intake.