Children eat 40 percent more salt than recommended | Food and Environment Reporting Network

More than 90 percent of U.S. children eat far more salt than recommended by the government, putting them at risk for developing high blood pressure and heart disease later in life, said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In a Vital Signs report, CDC researchers said that 43 percent of the sodium comes from the 10 foods most commonly eaten by children: pizza, bread and rolls, cold cuts/cured meats, savory snacks, sandwiches, cheese, chicken patties/nuggets/tenders, pasta mixed dishes, Mexican mixed dishes, and soups.

“Most sodium is already in food before it is purchased or stored,” said the report. “Approximately 65 percent comes from store foods, 13 percent from fast food and pizza restaurants, and 9 percent from school cafeteria foods.” On average, children aged 6-18 consumed 3,300 milligrams of salt per day, 40 percent above the recommended limit of 2,300 milligrams.

CDC said parents can reduce their children’s salt consumption by looking for low-sodium servings as well as encouraging healthy eating habits “by providing a diet high in fruits and vegetables without added sodium.” Schools also should strive for low-sodium food and snacks, said CDC.