Kids Consume Too Much Salt

High sodium intake is associated with elevated risk for high blood pressure, especially in obese and overweight children.

High dietary sodium and obesity are considered risk factors for hypertension in children and adults. Researchers examined the association between usual dietary sodium intake and high blood pressure (BP) in 6235 children (age range, 8–18 years) enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2003 and 2008. Sodium intake was determined by dietary recall.

Sodium intake averaged 3387 mg per day and increased with age. Sodium intake was higher in boys, normal-weight children, and non-Hispanic white children. Fifteen percent of the cohort had pre–high BP or high BP, and 37% were overweight or obese. Systolic BP, but not diastolic BP, increased by approximately 1 mm Hg per 1000 mg of sodium intake per day. The increase in B…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Kids Consume Too Much Salt

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Reviewing Author