Why too much Salt in Kids' diets is a hidden risk? We do not add any in our kids snacks!

When choosing snacks for kids, many parents are cautious about sugar—but salt is just as critical to watch. While sodium will become essential in small amounts as children grow, babies and toddlers—especially those under 12 months—are highly sensitive to it and should avoid added salt entirely.

One major reason? Their kidneys are still developing, and excessive salt can interfere with this process, leading to long-term health consequences.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how salt affects children’s health—especially kidney development—why babies are particularly vulnerable, how much salt is considered safe at different ages, and why choosing low-salt snacks matters.

Salt and Kidney Development: Why Early Diets Matter

The kidneys filter waste, regulate electrolytes, and maintain fluid balance. In infants and young children, these organs are still maturing. That means they aren’t yet equipped to handle high levels of sodium, which can lead to:

• Dehydration – Excess salt pulls water from cells and increases fluid loss, which can quickly dehydrate small children.

• Kidney strain – Overworked kidneys during critical growth years may suffer lasting damage.

• Calcium loss – High sodium increases calcium excretion in urine, which can weaken bones during a period of rapid development.

A 2022 review in Pediatric Nephrology emphasized that “high sodium intake in early childhood may impair nephron development and increase susceptibility to chronic kidney disease (CKD) later in life” (Tain & Hsu, 2022).¹

Further research in the Journal of Human Hypertension found that elevated salt intake in childhood is linked to higher blood pressure and increased risk of both kidney and heart disease in adulthood.²

Long-Term Effects That Can Begin in Childhood

The effects of excessive salt don’t end with childhood. A high-sodium diet early in life can raise the risk of:

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

• Hypertension (often emerging in adolescence)

• Cardiovascular problems in adulthood

• A lasting preference for salty foods, making it harder to adopt a balanced diet

Because of this, the World Health Organization (WHO), NHS, and EFSA all recommend limiting sodium intake—starting from infancy.

How Much Salt Is Too Much? (Per Serving Guidance)

To support kidney development and overall health, health authorities provide the following recommended daily salt intakes, with suggested maximums per serving based on three meals and two snacks per day:

Age Group	Maximum Salt per Day	Approx. Max per Serving
0–12 months	No added salt	Avoid entirely
1–3 years	2g salt/day (0.8g sodium)	~0.4g per serving
4–6 years	3g salt/day (1.2g sodium)	~0.6g per serving
7–10 years	5g salt/day (2g sodium)	~1g per serving

(Source:WHO, NHS, EFSA)

Even small amounts of added salt can burden an infant's kidneys, which is why baby foods should be salt-free. For older children, portion control and label reading are key.

Our Kids Snacks Contain No Added Salt or Sugar – One Less Thing to Worry About

At Bio Organics, we understand how crucial early nutrition is for long-term health. That’s why our Baby Bites kids snacks contain no added salt or sugar. Our organic snacks are made with simple, clean ingredients that nourish children without overloading their developing organs.

This means you can offer our snacks with confidence—knowing they’re a safe and nutritious choice for your child’s growing body.

Final Thoughts

A child’s kidneys are still developing throughout early life—and giving them the best chance to develop strong starts with smart nutrition. Choosing snacks with no added salt helps safeguard their health today and in the future.

Salt may seem harmless, but its long-term effects are anything but. By making thoughtful choices now, you're laying the foundation for your kid's healthier future.

We are Bio Organics—a brand you can trust.

Sources:

1. Tain, Y.-L., & Hsu, C.-N. (2022). Early-Life Sodium Exposure and Programming of Kidney Disease. Pediatric Nephrology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00467-022-05534-z

2. He, F. J., & MacGregor, G. A. (2006). Importance of salt in determining blood pressure in children: meta-analysis of controlled trials. Journal of Human Hypertension, 20(2), 2–10. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jhh.1001923

3. World Health Organization. (2012). Guideline: Sodium intake for adults and children. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241504836

4. NHS UK. (2022). How much salt is too much? https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-types/salt-nutrition/