Health News Alert: Sodium Consumption in Children

A new report by the Centers for Disease Control says high sodium consumption among U.S. children is putting them at risk for other diseases in adulthood.

The CDC Vital Signs Report says that more than 90 percent of school-aged children nationwide eat more sodium than recommended, putting them at risk for developing high blood pressure and heart disease later on in life.

The study reports that the daily sodium intake of children ages 6 to 18 is about 3,300 milligrams before salt is added at the table. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that children eat less than 2,300 mg per day total.

Sodium mostly comes from salt, 75 percent of which is found in prepared, processed or restaurant food.

The report goes on to single out 10 foods that children (and their parents) should be wary of for high sodium content:

For more information on how to make wise choices when it comes to sodium, read Please, Slash the Salt.