Research suggests seven out of 10 Australian children consume too much salt and are not getting enough potassium.
A study of more than 650 Victorian primary school-aged children, published in journal The BMJ, found sodium levels recorded in their urine was about twice that of potassium - an essential mineral that helps nerves and muscles function properly.
Major sources of sodium were bread, mixed cereal based dishes and processed meat, while nearly half of all participants' daily sodium intake came from discretionary junk foods.
"For most children sodium intake exceeds dietary recommendations and there is some indication that children of lower socio-economic background have the highest intakes," the authors concluded.
The researchers at the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition at Deakin University say the findings have important implications for a child's cardiovascular health later in life.
"To improve the sodium and potassium profile of schoolchildren, product reformulation of lower salt core foods, along with strategies, for example, pricing, policy and consumer education, that seek to reduce the consumption of discretionary foods are required," they wrote.
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