Salty Snacks (© Photographer: Igor Dutina | Agency: Dreamstime.com)

A study undertaken by scientists at St. George’s, University of London, has concluded that there is a link between salt and sugar-sweetened soft drink consumption in children and adolescents. A link between soft drinks and obesity in children is widely accepted. Even soft drinks with artificial sweeteners have been linked to weight gain.

According to an article published in Hypertension, a publication of the American Heart Association, the researchers stated:

If salt intake in children in the United Kingdom was reduced by half, there would be an average reduction of 2.3 sugar-sweetened soft drinks per week per child. A reduction in salt intake could, therefore, play a role in helping to reduce childhood obesity through its effect on sugar-sweetened soft drink consumption. This would have a beneficial effect on preventing cardiovascular disease independent of and additive to the effect of salt reduction on blood pressure.

It would be a fine start to eliminate salty snacks and soft drinks from all public schools as a helping hand to concerned parents. Parents might also set a good example by eliminating salty snacks and soft drinks from their homes, a small sacrifice to protect children from obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

If you’d like to read the article in Hypertension go to: Salt Intake Is Related to Soft Drink Consumption in Children and Adolescents