Salt and sugar: 2 enemies of blood pressure in children

The Italian authors aimed to examine how excessive consumption of salt and sugar in diets affects the occurrence of high blood pressure among kids. While health agencies endorse specific daily allowances or suggestions for "added" salt and sugar, it's crucial to note that including these in diets isn't mandatory. A study in Italy revealed that a significant number of children (up to 3 years old), had high levels of sodium and free sugars in their diets. Notably, many children aged 12 months and above were surpassing the recommended daily sodium intake.
Arterial hypertension involves a blend of genetic, epigenetic, environmental, and behavioral factors contributing to its complexity, impacting various age groups differently. When the mechanism responsible for regulating sodium excretion is impaired, hypertension might manifest. Changes in blood pressure due to different salt intakes differ among individuals. Conversely, the cumulative impact of free sugars, fructose, and uric acid on blood pressure and metabolic syndrome indicators amplifies when combined. Free sugars, particularly in liquid form, don't offer a strong feeling of fullness, potentially leading to excess calorie intake from other sources and encouraging weight gain. Specifically, obesity emerges as a primary risk factor for hypertension in children.