A diet high in salt may delay puberty, a major conference in Dublin has been told.

According to US researchers, who presented their findings at the European Congress of Endocrinology, with salt consumption increasing in many countries, these findings could have major implications for the reproductive health of people in the future.

They investigated the effects of dietary salt on the onset of puberty in rats. They found that rats who were fed a diet high in salt reached puberty much later than those who were fed a low-salt diet. However rats who were not fed any salt also had delayed puberty.

The researchers from the University of Wyoming told the conference in Dublin that the findings suggest that the consumption of salt is necessary for puberty to take place, however problems occur if excess amounts are consumed.

They pointed out that delayed puberty can lead to other problems such as fertility issues and behavioural problems.

They also noted that while research has been carried out into the effects of dietary fat on puberty, the effect of salt has largely been ignored.

"Our research highlights for the first time that the salt content of a diet has a more significant effect on reproductive health than the fat content," the researchers commented.

Studies from around the world, including Ireland, have shown that many adults are consuming far more salt than the recommended daily allowance of 5g. Salt tends to be found in high amounts in processed foods, such as processed meats, ready meals, stock cubes, bread, crisps, cakes and biscuits.

"Current salt-loading in Western populations has the potential to drastically affect reproductive health, and warrants further attention," the researchers insisted.

The European Congress of Endocrinology 2015 took place in the Convention Centre Dublin.