Blood pressure risk in children

ONE in 10 children has high blood pressure and half add salt to food most days.

These are the findings of a study held in five primary schools as a prelude to the Cork Children’s Lifestyle Study, which is running until Jun 2013. The wellbeing, diet and exercise of 1,000 third- and fourth-class pupils in 23 schools is being investigated.

High salt intake increases blood pressure — and high blood pressure is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Eleven percent of children in the Cork study had high blood pressure based on British Hypertension Society guidelines. Twice as many overweight and obese children had high blood pressure compared to normal-weight children.

Dr Janas Harrington, of UCC’s department of epidemiology and public health, who is leading the study with Professor Ivan Perry, says it’s too early to conclude from the findings, but she wasn’t surprised. “International studies find children as young as nine have elevated blood pressure. Here, we’re now seeing diseases in children, such as diabetes, that would traditionally have been seen in adults.”

When published, the Cork Children’s Lifestyle study will be the first to give a generalised indication of levels of high blood pressure in Irish children. UK data suggests that average daily salt intake in British children aged four to six years, and seven to 10, exceeds five and six grams, respectively.

Last year, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) reported that, since establishing its Salt Reduction Programme with the food industry, average adult daily salt intake had reduced by 1.1g to 7g (not including salt added during cooking or at table). The FSAI says up to 25-30% of salt intake is from consumers adding salt to food. The Authority urges adults to cut it down to six grams.

A 2010 study found mothers who prematurely weaned their infants onto solids, at 12 weeks, were more likely to add salt to babies’ foods. Daily salt limits for children are: 0-6 months — less than 1g; 7-12 months — 1g; 1-3 years — 2g; 4-6 years — 3g; 7-10 years — 5g; 11-14 years — 6g.

Adding salt to children’s food is unnecessary, says Health and Nutrition Foundation manager Muireann Cullen. “Children pick up behaviours from parents. If parents add salt, children become accustomed to the taste.”

* See www.nationalchildrensresearchcentre.ie/project/view/35.