Scientists at St. George's University of London analyzed data on 1,600 children aged 4 to 18 that ate salty diet. It was found that those who ate a lower-salt diet drank less fluid. The researchers estimated that cutting 1 gram of salt from a child's daily diet would reduce the child's overall fluid intake by 100 grams per day and could cut 250 calories a week from a child's diet.
The children who ate high salt diet tended to drink sugary soft drinks to quench their thirst, which ultimately led to weight gain in future. The results were published in journal Hypertension.
Not only would reducing salt intake lower blood pressure in children, but it could also play a role in helping to reduce obesity, the researchers said. They also urged the food industry to work on reducing salt content in kid's diet.
Keeping the current trend in mind, Campbell Soup Co. said Monday that it would reduce the sodium content in 12 condensed soups that are targeted to children. It would be the second sodium reduction in three years.
By reducing the salt content sodium in soups to the healthy level of 480 milligrams of sodium per serving, the company aims at meeting the government criteria for healthy foods. To be marketed as healthy, foods must meet fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium and nutrient guidelines.
