Baked goods are among the biggest contributors to high levels of salt consumption by US children, researchers have claimed.

Using data from the 2011-2012 National Health and Nutritional Examination survey, researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concluded that the average sodium consumption for children aged between six and 18 was 3,256 milligrams per day.

The study stated that high levels of sodium are being consumed at breakfast (14%), lunch (31%), dinner (39%) and snacks (16%).

Researchers said the foods at fault included pizzas, sandwiches, breads and savoury snacks.

“The top ten food categories contributing to school children’s sodium intake comprised foods in which sodium is added during processing or preparation,” said lead author Zerleen S Quader, MPH, a data analyst with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Evidence was found to suggest that one in nine children already have blood pressures above the normal rate for a child, and that a continued rate of consumption for high salted baked goods could lead to heart disease.

Earlier this year, the UK’s Food and Drink Federation highlighted three measures that could be used to reduce salt usage.