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As adults, we’re often warned to keep our salt intake under control. Most of us have far too much, and most comes from processed foods. High salt intake has been linked to raised blood pressure with its risk of heart attacks and strokes, kidney damage, and even autoimmune diseases. But children’s salt intake hasn’t been given as much attention.

Just under one in five children aged 9 had high blood pressure, with the highest risk in girls and children living with obesity.

An Australian study looked at salt intake in schoolchildren aged around 9 years old by measuring the sodium in their urine over a 24-hour period.

The findings were concerning. Many of the children were consuming too much salt. Just under one in five had high blood pressure, and the risk was highest in girls and children living with obesity.

The message for parents is that home-cooked food with minimal added salt is the healthiest approach. Minimise processed foods and encourage plenty of exercise to reduce the risk of overweight and obesity. And remember, sweet foods can contain surprising amounts of hidden salt.