Animal, Human, and (23)Na MRI Imaging Evidence for the Negative Impact of High Dietary Salt in Children

Filler, Guido; Salerno, Fabio; McIntyre, Christopher William; de Ferris, Maria E. Díaz-González

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: Conditions typically prevalent in adults such as hypertension, kidney stones, osteoporosis, and chronic kidney disease are increasing among adolescents and young adults (AYA). The purpose of this review is to describe the association of these conditions to a high salt diet among pediatric patients. RECENT FINDINGS: We present animal, human, and (23)Na MRI evidence associated with the negative impact of high dietary salt in children. Special focus is placed on novel (23)Na MRI imaging which reveals the important concept of a third compartment for sodium storage in soft tissue. Finally, we make recommendations on who should not be on a low salt diet. SUMMARY: A high salt intake predisposes children and AYA to considerable morbidity. We exhort the reader to engage in advocacy efforts to curve the incidence and prevalence of high salt-related life-limiting conditions.