An expert is warning New Zealand adults are consuming too much salt

An Auckland University study has found those over 15 years-old have about three thousand milligrams of sodium per day - the World Health Organisations limit is two thousand.

Associate professor Helen Eyles says the main driver for high salt is packaged foods or takeaway meals.

She says excess salt leads to high blood pressure, which can cause stroke, heart attack, and other types of heart disease.

Researchers want a national sodium-reduction strategy, including making it mandatory to label the sodium content in takeaways.