REDUCING SODIUM IN YOUR CHILDREN’S DIET REDUCING SODIUM IN YOUR CHILDREN’S DIET
CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL

Reducing Sodium in Children’s Diets The pressure is on to keep blood pressure down September 2014

90%

About 90% of US children ages 6-18 years eat too much sodium daily.

10

10 common types of foods contributed more than 40% of the sodium eaten by children.

1 in 6

1 in 6 children has raised blood pressure, which can be lowered in part by a healthy diet, including less sodium.

About 9 in 10 US children eat more sodium than recommended. Most sodium is in the form of salt, as a part of processed foods. A high sodium diet can lead to high blood pressure. About 1 in 6 children ages 8-17 years has raised blood pressure. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Lowering sodium in children’s diets today can help prevent heart disease tomorrow, especially for those who are overweight. The taste for salt is established through diet at a young age. Parents and caregivers can help lower sodium by influencing the way foods are produced, sold, prepared, and served.

As a parent and caregiver, you can:

Model healthy eating for your children by having a diet rich in fruits and vegetables without added sodium. Compare Nutrition Facts labels to choose the lowest sodium option before you buy. Ask your grocery manager to provide more low sodium options of your family’s favorite foods. Request restaurant nutrition information to make lower sodium choices.