What are the effects of eating salt on babies under one year old? What are the effects of eating salt on babies under one year old?

We all know that salt is a common condiment in life. It can play a good seasoning role and has good efficacy and function. Almost everyone eats salt every day. However, babies who have just been born cannot eat salt, otherwise there will be adverse effects. So what will happen if babies under one year old eat salt? Let's take a closer look!

Can babies under one year old eat salt?

Babies under one year old do not need to add additional salt.

Before 6 months old, the baby's daily intake is 170 mg, which is about 0.4 g of salt. Babies from 6 to 12 months old need to consume 350 mg of sodium per day, which is 0.9 g of salt. The sodium in breast milk or formula is enough to meet the baby's needs.

Breast milk contains sodium, not salt, and it has no salty taste. Some elderly people at home may say that the child lacks salt and has no strength, and they want to add salt to the child. This is wrong and mothers need to explain patiently.

It should be said that babies under one year old do not need to add extra salt, as the sodium in breast milk and formula milk can meet the baby's needs. If you let your baby eat extra salt, it will be harmful to the baby's health.

The harm of eating salt for babies under one year old

1. The baby's kidneys are immature. Excess salt will affect the baby's kidneys and increase the probability of heart disease and high blood pressure in adulthood.

2. Affects the absorption of trace elements zinc and calcium. Excessive intake of salt will lead to calcium and zinc deficiency, affecting children's intelligence and bone development.

3. Affects the development of children’s taste. Too much salt makes children develop a “heavy taste” and is not conducive to the formation of good eating habits. It is difficult to correct them after adulthood and affects their health.

How old can babies eat salt?

After one year old, you can gradually add salt, but not too much.

Babies under one year old take in very little salt. Babies around 7 months old take in 350 mg of salt a day. Table salt, also called sodium chloride, can provide energy for our bodies. Adults take in 2,000 mg of salt a day. Therefore, babies need very little salt. Sodium is already present in breast milk and complementary foods, so young babies do not need to add extra salt. (It is best not to add salt to babies under one year old).

Babies need to add salt after they are one year old, because the baby's various organs have developed well after one year old, and the baby's demand for salt also increases after one year old. At this time, you can add a little salt to the baby appropriately to meet the baby's body needs, but you must also pay attention to the amount when adding salt. It cannot be the same salt as adults, because the taste of adults is heavier for babies, and the amount of sodium is also higher, so mothers must pay attention to the amount when making complementary foods for their babies.

Eating too much salt can lead to water and salt metabolism disorders, resulting in reduced urination and increased water drinking. It has a significant impact on the child's mental state and gastrointestinal tract, so parents need to pay special attention.

In short, babies under one year old do not need to add salt, but babies over one year old need to add salt in moderation.