Most babies fed too much salt

2nd August 2011 - More than two thirds of eight-month-old babies are consuming more that the recommended UK maximum salt levels because they are fed a diet of cows' milk and processed foods.

High salt levels can damage developing kidneys, give children a taste for salt and encourage unhealthy eating practices that can continue into adulthood and lead to problems later in life.

Long-term health study

Researchers at the University of Bristol looked at the diets of 1,178 infants in the Children of the 90s Study - a long term health research project in the city.

Using three-day diet record cards filled out by mothers, the researchers calculated children's energy and sodium levels and divided participants into four categories of salt intake.

In the whole sample, 70% of babies at eight months were found to be consuming more than the 400 mg of salt each day recommended for infants up to 12 months. Among those in the top quarter for salt intake, average consumption exceeded two and a half times the recommended level at 1060 mg a day.

Cow's milk

Infants in this highest quartile shared some common characteristics, the researchers found. The babies were often consuming cows' milk as a main drink, which contains over three times as much salt as breast milk. They were also eating three times the amount of bread as those in the lowest quartile, as well as food with salty flavourings such as yeast extract and gravy.

The findings are published in the latest edition of the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Reducing salt

Dr Pauline Emmett and Vicky Cribb, the nutritionists who conducted the research, say that parents need clear advice about what foods are suitable for infants. "This should be given to all parents and carers and should include the important advice not to use cows’ milk as a main drink before 12 months of age," they say in a statement.

They add: "Given that three-quarters of salt in the diet comes from processed adult foods, successful salt-reduction strategies can only be achieved with the co-operation of the food industry. Manufacturers have a responsibility to reduce the salt content of food products. This process has already started in UK but much more needs to be done. If this study were repeated today it is likely that there would be some improvement but not enough to safeguard the health of all babies."

'Shocking'

Consensus Action on Salt & Health (CASH) described the findings as "shocking".  CASH nutritionist Hannah Brinsden said in a statement: "It is important to remember that when you start to wean your baby, you should avoid ready-made foods which are not specifically made for infants, such as bread, breakfast cereal, baked beans, canned pasta and yeast extract, because they contain a lot of salt.,"

She adds: "If you are unsure about whether a food is suitable for an infant, check the nutritional information on the food label. When preparing foods at home remember not to add any salt and don’t use salty ingredients such as cheese, stock or processed meats."