Sodium intake on the rise in kids

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most US children aged 6 to 18 years consume more than the daily recommended amount of less than 2300 mg sodium. Teenagers, especially adolescents aged 14 to 18 years, consume the most extra sodium-roughly 1400 milligrams more than recommended.

The CDC says that most sodium intake is attributed to salt, frequently from processed foods. Because of high sodium diets, roughly 1 in 6 children aged 7 to 18 years has elevated blood pressure.

Feature: Eating disorders in pediatrics

The majority of a child’s sodium intake comes from lunch (30%) and dinner (39%). Breakfast accounts for 15% and snacks throughout the day for 16%. About 43% of the sodium consumed by children comes from 10 common food types: soups; chicken patties or nuggets; cheese; savory snacks; cold cuts and cured meats; pizza; breads and rolls; sandwiches; pasta mixed dishes; and Mexican mixed dishes.

Unfortunately, most of the sodium is already in food at the time of purchase. Sixty-five percent of sodium intake comes from foods bought at grocery stores. Fast food and pizza restaurants account for 13%. School cafeteria offerings have roughly 9% of total sodium intake.

The CDC’s advice for parents and caregivers is to cut the amount of sodium in their child’s diet by:

• Using different herbs, spices, and vegetables to provide flavor instead of salt.

• Comparing nutrition fact labels to find food options with the lowest sodium content.

• Requesting nutrition information when eating at restaurants to find lower sodium dishes.

• Modeling healthy eating by eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables without adding sodium.

The CD report also includes information about how simple swaps throughout the day can reduce sodium as well as a quick tip sheet that parents can take with them.

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