- Overview:
- The burden of unhealthy diets constitutes a major public health and development challenge worldwide. Urgent action is required to modify the over-production and over-consumption of foods and beverages that do not have a healthy nutritional profile, mainly industry manufactured food. Of greatest concern is excess consumption of sodium, sugars and unhealthy fats, particularly trans-fatty acids (trans fats) and saturated fatty acids, and low consumption of whole grains, pulses, vegetables and fruits. In many high-income countries, and increasingly in low- and middle-income countries, a significant proportion of sodium in the diet comes from processed foods.
- Reducing sodium intake is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve health and reduce the burden of noncommunicable diseases, as it can avert a large number of cardiovascular events and deaths at very low total programme costs. WHO recommends a number of sodium-related best buy policies as practical actions that countries should undertake promptly to prevent cardiovascular disease and its associated costs. These include lowering of sodium content in foods; implementing front-of-pack labelling; mass media campaigns; and public food procurement and service.
- When it comes to sodium intake among adults, the general consensus is that high consumption will increase risk of hypertension and stroke. According to the 2020–2025 Dietary Guideline for Americans, 45% of people 18 and older are living with hypertension. Hypertension is a preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Does a high sodium intake pose the same risks for children and adolescents as it does for adults? Children and adolescents, ages 2–18, develop dietary patterns that tend to carry on through adulthood. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 9 in 10 children consume more sodium than recommended. The main source of excess sodium is processed foods. Roughly 1 in 6 children have high blood pressure during childhood, which remains a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
- Americans consume too much salt Table salt, or sodium chloride, consists of roughly 40% sodium and 60% chloride. In the U.S., approximately 90% of sodium consumption comes from sodium chloride. Within the U.S. diet, the average person consumes salt: From processed and prepared foods — 77% From natural sources — 12% Adding while eating — 6% Adding during cooking — 5% One teaspoon of salt equals 2,300 milligrams of sodium.
- Daily recommended sodium intake guidelines for children and adolescents are:
- Ages 1–3 — Less than 1,200 milligrams
- Ages 4–8 — Less than 1,500 milligrams
- Ages 9–13 — Less than 1,800 milligrams
- Ages 14–18 — 2,300 milligrams
- One fast food kid's meal can easily exceed 1,500 milligrams of sodium. Concerning statistics According to the 2015-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: Of surveyed children and adolescents, 90% exceeded the recommended sodium level for their age. The average sodium intake was 3,393 milligrams per day, with a range of 2,000–5,000 milligrams per day. High school-aged students consumed roughly 400–800 milligrams more than younger school-aged kids. 50% of sodium intake came from pizza, Mexican dishes, sandwiches — including burgers — cold cuts, soups, snacks and cheese. Girls consumed significantly less sodium than boys. Of total daily sodium consumption, 58% came from store-bought foods, 16% from fast food/restaurants and 10% from school cafeterias. Sodium reduction is a must The statistics are alarming, making reducing sodium intake among children and teens crucial. Children and adolescents' dietary habits often resemble those of their household and their environment. Taste preferences formed during childhood often carry into adulthood. Because much of the sodium intake comes from processed foods and restaurant foods, lowering sodium content across the food supply would contribute to significantly less sodium intake among children, teens and adults. Cooking meals at home also can significantly reduce sodium intake, specifically with the use of spices and herbs to replace sodium and enhance flavor. Reading nutrition facts labels of boxed, bagged and canned foods is important. Look for products that contain less than 140–200 milligrams of sodium per serving. At each meal, try to have only one product that comes from a bag, box or can.
Did you know ?How too much sodium intake trigers health of children.Kids and sodium: Serious risks, alarming realities
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