Warning on children's eating habits

Young children are eating too many calories and too much salt and are missing out on key vitamins, experts have warned.High intake of protein and too many calories overall puts youngsters at risk of obesity, while too much salt could "set taste preference for the future" and put them at risk of high blood pressure and strokes in later life.

Researchers also urged parents to follow government guidelines on giving children up to the age of five supplements to boost levels of iron and vitamin D, after their study found youngsters were woefully lacking in essential vitamins.The study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, examined data for 2336 UK children.

They found that average daily calorie intake "significantly exceeded" the recommended amount of 968 calories, with 63 per cent of children having too many and consuming an average of 1035. They warned that over the long term eating too many calories would lead to obesity.

Protein intake among almost all children was nearly three times higher (40g) than the recommended 15g, while fibre intake was 8g - half the recommended amount.Vitamin D intake, including the small number of children (7 per cent) already given supplements, was less than half that recommended by the Department of Health.

Only 30 per cent of children got enough iron (recommended to be 6.9 micrograms per day). Meanwhile, almost all children (99 per cent) had more salt than the 0.5g daily recommended by the Department of Health, with many children having three times too much.A lack of iron can cause heart and lung problems and increase the risk of illness and infection.

Professor Neena Modi, president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, said: "Just last week it was reported that more than one in 10 men and one in seven women across the globe are obese. So to learn that at 21 months, 63 per cent of UK children exceed the recommended daily intake of calories and large numbers exceed the recommended daily intake of protein and sodium, the future looks no better for the next generation of adults.

Izzi Seccombe, from the Local Government Association, which has responsibility for public health for young children, said: "Obesity can begin at birth, with increasing evidence that what happens during the first 1000 days of a child's life can have a big impact on how healthy and happy they are as they grow up and into adulthood."

Dr Louis Levy, head of nutrition science at Public Health England, said: "Obese children are much more likely to become obese adults who are prone to serious illnesses like Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

We all need to help toddlers get into good eating and drinking habits. This means introducing a wider range of foods including five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, oily fish and starchy foods while limiting sugary, salty and fatty foods and drinks.It's also important for children aged six months to five years to take a daily supplement of vitamins A, C and D.