Some say children are not miniature adults, but when it comes to diet they are. Yes teenagers should follow the same salt1recommended sodium limits as adults to avoid putting their health in danger.

The Institute of Medicine has established adequate intake levels for sodium rather than ‘recommended dietary allowances’. For males and females ages 9 to 13 and 14 to 18, it is 1,500 mg of sodium per day represents adequate intake. FYI: a teaspoon of salt contains 2400mg of sodium. Why is this worthy of a blog, well it has been ‘officially’ noted that the increased salt in the diet was found to be associated with high blood pressure as teens aged.

A recent study NHANES III  (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey)  looked at the associations between elevated blood pressure and risk factors in  3,248 children and teens, then compared with data from the continuous NHANES I from 1999 to 2008 with a population of 8,388 children and teens. These teens have been tracked for quite a few years! In this case as in many studies a ‘survey’ tool was used, not actual measurements of all aspects of the research. Here blood pressure was recorded but intake of salt volunteered. 

Among the many findings, one I mention is the prevalence of elevated blood pressure being higher in girls associated with elevated salt intake, BMI, and waist circumference.

Researched noted that the odds of elevated blood pressure in children rose “an estimated 27% between NHANES III and NHANES 1999-2008,” and that the odds of an increase among those with the highest salt intake rose by 36%.

NOTE: The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends less than 2,300 milligrams per day. If you have high blood pressure much less!

MORE FYI : McDonald grilled chicken sandwich 820mg, egg Mc Muffin 780mg, Hebrew National hot dog 460mg.

WHY say More!