2024/12/24 by Sarah Presley, Joyce Y. Lee, Michelle L. Kaiser +1 · 1 voice
Health Professions · Medicine · Nursing · #Child Nutrition and Water Access #Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations #Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet
paper · doi:10.1080/19371918.2024.2444919
openalex publication_date 2024/12/24 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/02
Globally, high sodium intake is the leading dietary risk factor of morality. Most Americans, including children, consume too much sodium compared with the federal guidelines. Socioeconomic and racial disparities place children, many of color, from low-income households and neighborhoods, at higher risk of consuming foods high in sodium. Preferences in sodium levels are determined during childhood and can be challenging to modify in adulthood. Thus, early intervention and health promotion in children's sodium intake is crucial to reducing health consequences and extending the overall life expectancy of Americans. This article highlights innovative health policies and programs that aim to reduce sodium levels in food that American children consume. Additionally, the implications of federal food assistance programs are discussed. Furthermore, the role of social workers is noted regarding providing education and guidance around food selection and eating practices to support the health of American children and families.