Toddlers’ diet ‘putting future health at risk’

NUTRITION: Alert over excess calories and salt

Toddlers are eating too many calories and too much salt and are missing out on key vitamins, experts have warned.

Researchers from University College London (UCL) said the poorly balanced diet could lead to health problems in later life.

They found 63% of 21-month-olds exceeded the recommended daily intake of 968 calories, consuming an average of 1,035.

The study of 2,336 youngsters also revealed protein intake among almost all children was nearly three times higher (40g) than the recommended 15g, while fibre intake was 8g – half the recommended amount.

Vitamin D intake, including the small number of children (7%) already given supplements, was less than half that recommended by the Department of Health. Most children (84%) did not meet the recommended amount of seven to 8.5 micrograms a day, with the average intake being just 2.3 micrograms a day.

Only 30% of children got enough iron (recommended to be 6.9 micrograms per day).

Meanwhile, almost all children (99%) had more salt than the 0.5g daily recommended, with many children having three times too much.

High intake of protein and too many calories puts youngsters at risk of obesity. Too much salt could “set taste preference” and put them at risk of high blood pressure and strokes in later life.

A lack of iron can cause heart and lung problems and increase the risk of illness and infection, while a shortage of Vitamin D can cause bone deformities.

Hayley Syrad, from UCL’s department of epidemiology and health, said: “The research suggests that the current diets of young children are a cause for concern. What we eat in early life can have an enduring impact on our health.”