Scott BresslerPeople who find themselves constantly nibbling on tortilla chips and pretzels may have a predisposition for salty snacks. A team of Israeli researchers may have found a link between a love of salty foods and being born with low sodium. Consumption of too much sodium is a risk for obesity and other health issues.
A study of 41 premature births in Israel found that low blood sodium at birth was linked to an increased desire for salty food and snacks in children between the ages of 8 to 15. The study also found that those born with low blood sodium were 30 percent heavier by the early teenage years. Long-term high sodium intake has been strongly linked with obesity. Adult obesity may be tied in some instances to low sodium at birth.
Researchers have suggested such a response could be an evolutionary adaptation, or a way for people to protect themselves from sodium deficiency and loss by creating stronger cravings for it.
The children with the lowest blood sodium at birth consumed around 1,700 milligrams more sodium a day than the children born with regular sodium levels, well surpassing recommended daily intake.
Connie Diekman, director of nutrition at the University, expressed doubts over the results. Daily sodium calculations were performed using food frequency questionnaires, which leave accuracy of results up to the memory of the participants.
“What is the cause? That is what I wanted to see more research on, further studies tracking throughout someone’s childhood. It’s difficult when you do a food frequency study, combined with the fact this wasn’t an ongoing survey, to really say this caused that. Right now, it’s a hard leap to make,” said Diekman.
Diekman also expressed concern that the study was only of premature babies, and that more research with normal weight newborns needs to be performed.
Too much salty food can be a real issue. In addition to obesity, other health risks have been linked to high sodium.
“High sodium intake can lead to health problems, though not everyone is susceptible. In people who are salt-sensitive, too much sodium can lead to hypertension or fluid retention, and in some people it affects overall kidney function,” said Diekman.
Current dietary recommendations call for 2,300 milligrams of sodium every day. Diekman advises students to read food labels and check online so they’ll know how much sodium they’re consuming.
“Good clues to high sodium are if you’re eating too many processed meals, quick grab foods, frozen items, or canned items. You’ll definitely get more sodium than if you’re eating fresh whole grains and fruits,” said Diekman. “Try to shift to lower sodium by getting fresh food in their natural state, not processed and preserved.”