Warning: Watch Your Noodles Intake

[Jai Dee]

CONSUMPTION OF MORE THAN 1 PACK OF SEMI-INSTANT NOODLES PER DAY WILL RESULT IN EXCESS INTAKE OF SODIUM, LEADING TO KIDNEY AND HEART PROBLEMS

A consumer rights group has warned against consuming more than 1 pack of semi-instant noodles per day, as this would result in excess intake of sodium leading to kidney disease and high blood pressure.

Mr. Itthaboon Anwongsa (อิฐบูรณ์ อ้นวงษา), the editor of the Chalard Sue (ฉลาดซื้อ) or "smart buy" magazine, revealed the result of surveys on the sodium quantity in semi-instant noodles. According to Mr. Itthaboon, 32 samples of semi-instant noodles were tested by the National Food Institute, which found that most contained 50-100% of the total amount of suggested sodium intake per day. However some brands with larger than average "big packs" contained as much as 2,691 milligrams of sodium per pack, or 112% of the daily recommended amount. Thus, consumption of more than 1 pack or 1 bowl of semi-instant noodles with utilization of the whole package of the provided seasonings would cause consumers to receive too much sodium. Mr. Itthaboon noted that each regular meal is already plentiful in sodium due to the various seasonings such as fish sauce, soy sauce, and salt.

Associate Professor Praphaisri Sirichakkrawarn (ประไพศรี ศิริจักรวาล), from the Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, said the recommended daily sodium intake for Thais was at 2,400 miligrams. However sodium intake is currently excessive, prompting risks of kidney disease and high blood pressure, which in turn leads to heart disease. Thus, a revision of the recommended daily value has been made. The recommended daily intake for men now stands at 475-1,475 milligrams and 400-1,200 miligrams for women. Dr. Praphaisri added that the Food and Drugs Administration is now conducting revisions to improve the standard of seasonings in various food products.

Source: thaisnews.com ประจำวันศุกร์ที่ 14 ตุลาคม 2548