Health Report Are Australian kids eating too much salt?
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Mar 6, 2026 Dr Nia Shiguata, gynaecologist and laparoscopic surgeon, explains endometriosis diagnosis, imaging and when surgery helps. Dr Carly Grimes, nutrition researcher, discusses measuring kids’ salt intake, links to blood pressure and practical ways parents can cut sodium. They explore taste shaping, sex and weight differences in salt effects, and realistic expectations for treatment and prevention.
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Most Australian Kids Exceed Recommended Salt Intake
- Most Australian schoolchildren consume more sodium than recommended based on 24-hour urine measures.
- Carly Grimes found three quarters exceeded limits and sodium effects on blood pressure varied by sex and weight, with girls and children with obesity more sensitive.
Salt Raises Blood Pressure More In Girls And Heavier Children
- The sodium–blood pressure link in children is nuanced and subgroup-specific rather than universal.
- In the study, higher sodium correlated with higher systolic blood pressure in girls and in children living with obesity but not overall.
Practical Swaps To Lower Kids Sodium Intake
- Reduce children's sodium by prioritising fresh foods and choosing lower-sodium packaged options at the supermarket.
- Carly Grimes recommends checking sodium per 100g, focus on lower-salt bread (<400 mg/100g) and cheese (<700 mg/100g), and avoid processed meats on sandwiches.