Nina and the Neurons Go Low Sodium

It seems as though my obsession has become more widespread, with even pre-school science experts Nina and the Neurons getting in on the act. Thanks to the BBC for the undoubtedly copyrighted image.

Kids' Salt Intake

I have two kids so this is a subject close to my heart. Our youngest only moved onto solids after we had started our low sodium diet, but it is taking our 6 year old a while to adapt (she has only now decided that she will eat mummy's bread rather than shop-bought white sliced).

The recommended daily sodium intake for children is obviously lower than that for adults, you can find lots of good information and advice in this leaflet on the CASH website.

The main sources of salt in children's diets are as follows (from here):

40% from cereal & cereal products e.g. bread, breakfast cereals, 'morning goods'
21% from meat & meat products e.g. bacon & ham, burgers, sausages
9% from potatoes e.g. coated oven chips, croquettes
9% from milk & milk products e.g. yoghurts, cheese

Burts Salt-Free Kids Crisps

Burts have brought out a selection of salt-free crisps for kids. Even better, some of the profits go towards Great Ormond Street Hospital. Available in plain, cheese, honey, ketchup and (likely to be a hit in our house) vinegar.

Update: I got a multipack bag of these, which contained plain, vinegar and ketchup. The first two sorts were great, but we are not keen on the ketchup version, which have a real taste of the 1970s to me.

Salt in Children's Diets

The Sunday Times ran an item today on the salt in children's diets:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article4079712.ece

Good to see this issue getting some publicity.