Commercial toddler food in the US contains sodium and sugar levels that are far beyond the permissible limits, setting an early preference among children for salty and sugary products, according to a study by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP).
The study published in the journal Pediatrics has observed that 72% of toddler dinners were high in sodium content containing an average of 212mg per 100g of food. 34% of savory toddler snacks contained an average of 486mg sodium per 100g.
The ideal daily sodium intake is around 120mg for infants up to six months, 370mg for ages 7 to 12 months and 1,000mg for ages 1 to 3 years.
32% of toddler dinners and the majority of toddler cereal bars, breakfast pastries, fruit, and toddler snacks, desserts, and juices contained at least one added sugar.
CDCP lead researcher Mary Cogswell told Reuters: "A substantial proportion of toddler foods and infant and toddler snacks, even those we don't think of as sweet - like toddler meals and salty snacks - contained at least one added sugar."
However, the study has found that the sugar and sodium levels in infant packaged foods were within the safety levels; 655 of the 657 infant vegetables, dinners, fruits, dry cereals, and ready-to-serve mixed grains and fruits studied, were low sodium.
The infant foods did not contain added sugars.
The CDPC study was based on a 2012 nutrient database of 1,074 infant and toddler foods and drinks.
"A healthy diet for the entire family, one that is limited in added salt and sugar and rich in fruits and vegetables, can help set taste preferences of the youngest family members eating from the table and ultimately prevent chronic diseases related to poor food choices," Cogswell added.
In reaction to the study, US Grocery Manufacturers Association said: "We are concerned that the study does not accurately reflect the wide range of healthy choices available in today's marketplace that parents can turn to for feeding their infants and toddlers because it is based on 2012 data that does not reflect new products with reduced sodium levels, and it could needlessly alarm and confuse busy parents as they strive to develop suitable meal options that their children will enjoy."
Image: More than 1,700 infant and toddler foods and drinks were studied as part of the research. Photo: courtesy of Rakratchada torsap / Freedigitalphotos.net.
