States are beginning to respond with innovative awareness campaigns. In Tamil Nadu, schools in Coimbatore have introduced illustrated awareness boards titled "Oil, Sugar, Salt," advising children on safe limits for each
Published Jul 17, 2025 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Jul 17, 2025 | 7:00 AM
How much salt are you giving your kids? Adolescence hypertension is on the rise
Synopsis: India is facing a hidden health crisis as children consume dangerously high levels of salt, warns a report by ICMR-NIE. Urban children intake up to 9.2 grams daily—nearly double WHO’s safe limit—while rural children average 5.6 grams. Experts blame processed foods and institutional meals, warning early exposure sets children on a path toward hypertension and chronic disease
India is witnessing a silent but dangerous health crisis: children across the country are consuming far more salt than is safe, putting them at risk for hypertension, heart disease, and kidney problems later in life.
A recent report by the Indian Council of Medical Research–National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE) warns that children in urban India are consuming up to 9.2 grams of salt per day—almost double the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of less than 5 grams. Rural children aren’t far behind, with an average daily intake of 5.6 grams. The issue isn’t just dietary preference—it’s systemic, rooted in what children are served at schools, in government-run meal programs, and what they’re exposed to at home.
“Salt is essential, but the problem is that we’re consuming too much of it, especially from processed and packaged foods,” said a senior researcher from ICMR-NIE. “And worryingly, children are being exposed early, which means their bodies are already beginning to adapt to a high-sodium baseline.”
In response, the Ministry of Women and Child Development issued a directive this month, asking all states and union territories to cut down added salt and sugar in meals served at Anganwadis and through the Mid-Day Meal Scheme. The ministry also wants synthetic colors and preservatives removed. This move comes as the Poshan Tracker data revealed that around six percent of under-five children in India are already overweight or obese—a number that has been rising steadily since the pandemic.
Measures are timely. The economic toll of diet-related non-communicable diseases is mounting, and so is the number of young people affected.
Speaking to South First, Dr Arvind Canchi, Consultant Nephrologist and Transplant Physician of Trustwell Hospitals in Bengaluru says salt is essential in small amounts, but excessive intake–especially from a young age–can set the stage for chronic health conditions. She says, “traditionally, salt-related health risks are thought to affect adults, but mounting evidence shows that children are not spared either.”
He details that children between ages 2 to 15, dietary habits solidify, and high salt intake during this formative period can contribute to early onset hypertension and cause heart disease, stroke and kidney disease later on as an adult.
“Generally, salt intake in India is very high at least 10 to 11 gms per day. Recommended salt intake is 5gm per day(2 gm of sodium per day).
Citing an example of Global Burden of Disease Study (2021), Dr Canchi says elevated systolic blood pressure is now recognised as a significant risk factor in adolescents. “Indian studies, such as the CNNS Survey (206-18), have shown that 7 percent of children aged 10-19 years already have elevated blood pressure–and high sodium intake is a key contributor.”
As per the data available from the CNNS 2016-18 survey, amongst southern states Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have the highest percentage of adolescents aged 10-19 years classified as hypertensive with 5.2 percent and 6.7 percent respectively.
He says tracking studies show that childhood BP strongly predicts adult hypertension, a major cause of ischemic heart disease and stroke.
Meanwhile, Dr Canchi added that kidneys regulate sodium balance. High salt intake leads to glomerular hyperflirtation, increasing the risk of hypertension-induced kidney damage. “Childhood hypertension (often from excess salt and obesity)” he says, “is a growing cause of early-onset chronic kidney disease in India.”
States are beginning to respond with innovative awareness campaigns. In Tamil Nadu, schools in Coimbatore have introduced illustrated awareness boards titled “Oil, Sugar, Salt,” advising children on safe limits for each. These are not bland posters but engaging, colourful visuals meant to make children and parents think before reaching for the salty chips or sugary drinks. Similar models are being considered for CBSE schools across the country.
While sugar has dominated headlines for years due to its clear links to childhood obesity, salt’s stealthier threat is only now being taken seriously.
Meanwhile, non-governmental organisations are also playing their part. The George Institute for Global Health has conducted workshops in Telangana and Chandigarh to teach school children about the dangers of excessive salt. Their “#EatLessSalt” campaign is helping children not only understand the risks but also take the message home to their families.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Front-of-pack labeling on packaged foods is still not mandatory in India, and many school canteens continue to sell HFSS items freely. The Economic Survey 2024–25 has already flagged this gap, urging the government to define clear nutrient thresholds and enforce labeling to help consumers make informed decisions.
Experts argue that without strong policy push—like salt taxes on processed food, strict advertising restrictions, and clearer nutrition labels—the gains made through school-level interventions may fall short.
As India tries to feed its massive child population through welfare schemes and private schooling, what’s being served on the plate is coming under increasing scrutiny. Salt, a kitchen staple once only associated with taste, is now being viewed as a threat to the next generation’s health.
Dr Canchi says “many children in urban India exceed these limits by 1.5 to 2 times,” He says as per WHO and ICMR 2020 guidelines, recommended sodium intake for children is:
Ages 2 -3 below 1,200 mg/day
Ages 4-8 below 1500 mg/day
Ages 9-3 below 1800 mg/day
Ages 14-18 below 2300 mg/day
He added that many children in urban India exceed these limits by 1.5 to 2 times, often unknowingly. Here is a list of food items and the average sodium content in it. While 1 gm of salt is 400 mg of sodium.
Instant noodles (one packet) 1100-1800 mg
Potato chips (small packet) 300-400 mg
Salted namkeen (50g) 500-700 mg
Bread (2 slices) 250-350 mg
Pizza (1 medium slice) 600-800 mg
Tomato ketchup (1 tbsp) 150-200 mg
Cheese cube (20 g) 200-300 mg
Pickles (1 tbsp) 800-1000mg
Processed meats (1 slice) 300-600 mg
Bakery biscuits (3-4 pieces) 200-300 mg
Dr Canchi’s tips for reducing salt in children’s diets:
Avoid processed foods like chips, instant oodles, and frozen meals
Read nutrition labels–look for “low sodium” or aim for below 120 mg per 100 g
Cook fresh meals at home with minimal added salt
Flavor with herbs and spices (ginger, garlic, lemon etc) instead of salt
Limit table salt and avoid keeping salt shakers on the dining table.
Educate children on healthy eating choices from a young age.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
