Inappropriate complementary feeding is associated with high sodium intakes in young children Aug 2011
Researchers at the University of Bristol have reviewed the sodium intakes of 8 month old infants, with results showing that 70% of the group had sodium intakes higher than the recommended level of 400mg a day.
The data obtained from 1178 8-month-old infants born in 1991/92, participating in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), were reviewed specifically for sodium intakes in the infants’ diets.
The UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) advise that, up to the age of 12 months, infants should consume no more than 400mg sodium a day. High sodium intakes may damage the developing kidneys and have been shown to be linked to the development of high blood pressure. In the first few months, infants’ sodium intakes are obtained from either breastmilk or infant formula, but after complementary feeding (or ‘weaning’), sodium is obtained from a wide range of foods.
The findings showed that 70% of infants consumed in excess of 400 mg sodium per day, with those infants with the highest sodium intakes consuming an average of 1060 mg per day. Infants in the top quartile of sodium intakes were consuming inappropriate foods during complementary feeding, including salty foods and sauces (such as yeast extract and gravy), canned pasta and baked beans, which contributed to the very high sodium levels in their diet and it was found that many were consuming cow’s milk as a main drink.
Cows’ milk has a higher level of sodium than infant and follow-on formula. The Department of Health recommends that children under the age of 12 months shouldn’t drink cow’s milk and that they should only consume water, infant formula or follow on formula.
Family foods, including sauces, canned foods, breakfast cereals and bread are not designed and not appropriate for very young children. Complementary foods that are intended for weaning are strictly regulated to ensure that they are low in sodium and nutritionally appropriate for young infants.
BSNA continue to support the strict legislation in this area that ensures that foods specifically designed for infants have appropriate levels of key nutrients. We agree with the research conclusion that mothers should receive clear and consistent advice regarding what foods are appropriate during complementary feeding as many parents may be unaware of the contribution manufactured foods make to sodium intakes.
Further information on this study can be found here: Review of sodium intakes of infants aged 8 months
Information on the EU Directives that govern sodium levels in foods designed for infants and in infant and follow- on formula can be accessed here:
Infant foods Foods for infants and young children - cereals and other baby foods.
Formula Infant and Follow-on formula