Report 90 percent of children eating too much salt

The great majority of American children — or 90 percent — eat far more sodium than is recommended, which puts them at risk for high blood pressure and heart disease later in life, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About one in 6 children ages eight to 17 already have high blood pressure.

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In the latest data available on sodium consumption in U.S. children (from 2009-2010), the report shows how much sodium school-age children eat and where it comes from. It also explains the 10 food categories that add the most salt to children’s diets.

A major finding was that children ages six to 18 eat an average of about 3,300 mg of sodium daily in foods before they are salted at the table; the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that children eat a total of less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day. (2,300 mg of sodium equals one teaspoon.) Children with hypertension or diseases such as diabetes should eat even less sodium, or 1, 500 a day.

Most of the salt consumed by the children in the report was found to be in these forms:

Approximately 65 percent of sodium comes from processed foods bought in a store.

Thirteen percent comes from fast food and pizza restaurant foods.

Nine percent comes from foods in the school cafeteria.

Additionally, 43 percent of sodium comes from these 10 food categories:

Pizza

Bread

Rolls

Cold cuts/cured meats

Cheese

Chicken patties/nuggets/tenders

Savory snacks

Sandwiches

Pasta mixed dishes

Mexican mixed dishes

And soups.

The CDC urges parents, caregivers, schools, communities, and places that sell or serve food provide more low-sodium options to children. For example:

Parents can provide more fruits and vegetables, and they can compare nutrition facts labels to choose the lowest sodium options before buying. Avoid processed foods and restaurant foods whenever possible

Places that produce, sell, or serve food can replace sodium with alternatives such as spices, herbs, and vegetables. They can also use lower-sodium brands.

Schools and school districts can buy lower-sodium foods, in the lunchroom and in vending machines and school stores.