Are new sodium targets in the National School Lunch Program feasible and are they necessary: A look into sodium’s effect on children and understanding the control of sodium levels in the National School Lunch Program.
Location
Georgia
Start Date
12-5-2015 1:00 PM
Description
High salt intake in many societies is a continuing issue in adults and is of growing concern in children. In response, the USDA has set 3 sodium targets, for the next 8 years, in meals offered in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), and National School Breakfast Program (NSBP), eventually decreasing sodium levels in both programs; the NSLP being more important of the two programs since it serves twice as many students. Yet, many associated with school nutrition ask if there is significant evidence to show what effect sodium plays on children’s health, and thus determine if these sodium targets are necessary and if they are achievable. In addressing this question, a review of published articles was performed to determine sodium’s role in children’s health. This was followed by an analysis of the Cobb County School Nutrition Program (SNP) looking at sodium levels for the past 6 years and utilizing those trends to forecast future levels and determine if said targets could be reached. In the review, it was determined that high sodium intake could negatively effect a child’s blood pressure, contribute to the development of obesity, increase the likelihood of developing left ventricular hypertrophy, and contribute to further irritation of existing asthma. In looking at sodium level data from the Cobb County SNP it was shown, when considering the rate of reduction for the past 6 years to reach the first targets, they will be able to reach the second target, but the third targets prove more difficult.
Are new sodium targets in the National School Lunch Program feasible and are they necessary: A look into sodium’s effect on children and understanding the control of sodium levels in the National School Lunch Program.
Georgia
High salt intake in many societies is a continuing issue in adults and is of growing concern in children. In response, the USDA has set 3 sodium targets, for the next 8 years, in meals offered in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), and National School Breakfast Program (NSBP), eventually decreasing sodium levels in both programs; the NSLP being more important of the two programs since it serves twice as many students. Yet, many associated with school nutrition ask if there is significant evidence to show what effect sodium plays on children’s health, and thus determine if these sodium targets are necessary and if they are achievable. In addressing this question, a review of published articles was performed to determine sodium’s role in children’s health. This was followed by an analysis of the Cobb County School Nutrition Program (SNP) looking at sodium levels for the past 6 years and utilizing those trends to forecast future levels and determine if said targets could be reached. In the review, it was determined that high sodium intake could negatively effect a child’s blood pressure, contribute to the development of obesity, increase the likelihood of developing left ventricular hypertrophy, and contribute to further irritation of existing asthma. In looking at sodium level data from the Cobb County SNP it was shown, when considering the rate of reduction for the past 6 years to reach the first targets, they will be able to reach the second target, but the third targets prove more difficult.