Nutrition 101: Sodium

• Sodium, Table Salt (Sodium Chloride)

• Males and females 19-50 yrs: 1500 mg/day
• Males and females 51-70 yrs: 1300 mg/day
• Males and females 70+ yrs: 1300 mg/day

Note: most people easily consume well beyond the DRI - reducing sodium intake to the DRI is recommended. The National High Blood Pressure Education Program (NHBPEP) recommends no more than 2400 mg of sodium per day (1 tsp of salt).

• Regulates water and electrolyte balance
• Required for nerve and muscle activity
• Maintains regular acid-base balance
• Helps with the absorption of water and some nutrients

• Found mainly in processed foods, but also in table salt, soy sauce, meat, milk products, and bread

• Low Sodium Diet: How to cut back on Sodium
• High Blood Pressure Diet: the DASH Diet
• UK sets Salt Reduction Targets for Packaged Foods
• Sodium Needs of Athletes