A US study has claimed that children in the country aged between 8 and 18 are consuming almost the same amount of sodium as adults each day.

The research, published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), found that average sodium consumption levels among children aged between 8 and 18 are almost double the 1,500mg limit recommended by the American Heart Association. The Institute of Medicine recommends a maximum intake for adults of less than 2,300mg.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

The children studied were part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) carried out between 2003 and 2008, which covered more than 6,200 children and adolescents. The research also showed that 37% of the respondents were either overweight or obese, and that 15% had either high blood pressure or slightly elevated blood pressure. It also found that boys consumed more sodium and calories than girls.

The CDC study found that the risk for high blood pressure among overweight and obese youths rose by 74% for every 1,000mg of increased daily sodium intake.

The American Heart Association (AHA) said the CDC underlined the need to move faster on improving children’s dietary health.

See Also:

“It’s very disturbing that this nation’s children and teens consume too much salt in their diets at school and home. High blood pressure, once viewed as an adult illness is now affecting more young people because of high sodium diets and increasing obesity,” said American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“While new nutrition standards for school meals are helping, progress is slow. This study strongly underscores the need to move faster because our kids are on an early path to heart attacks and strokes.”