Babies consume too much salt, research shows
A diet of processed food such as baked beans and tinned spaghetti are thought to contribute to the fact that 70 per cent of babies are consuming too much salt.Research by the University of Bristol, which was published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, also revealed that giving eight month olds cow's milk, which is higher in salt than breast milk or formula, is adding to the problem.
Dr Pauline Emmett and Vicky Cribb, nutritionists who conducted the research, said: "These findings show that salt intakes need to be substantially reduced in children of this age group. Infants need foods specifically prepared for them without added salt."
The nutritionists also advised parents not to give infants cows' milk before they reach 12 months of age.
They went on to suggest that food manufacturers have a responsibility to cut salt in food as three-quarters of salt is found in pre-packaged food.
According to the British Heart Foundation, an overconsumption of salt can cause high blood pressure which can, in turn, lead to an increased risk of heart disease.
