Inherent Nutrition

Topics covered:

• What is sodium?
• What does sodium do for us?
• What types of foods contain sodium?
• What is the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)?
• Are there health risks associated with sodium?
• References

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

What is sodium?

Sodium is an essential micronutrient (macro-mineral). It is bonded with chloride to create salt.

 Back to Top

What does sodium do for us?

Sodium is an electrolyte that helps regulate the body fluids in and around our cells. Sodium is needed to manage our blood pressure, balance our pH levels, and regulate our blood flow. Lastly, sodium helps contract/expand our muscles and helps our nervous system communicate with the rest of the body.

 Back to Top

What types of foods contain sodium?

Sodium can naturally be found in salt and in foods such as meat, poultry, eggs, vegetables.

 Back to Top

What is the minimum Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)?

Ages 0-6 months: 120 mg

Ages 7-12 months: 370 mg

Ages 1-3 years: 1,000 mg

Ages 4-8 years: 1,200 mg

Ages 9-49 years*: 1,500 mg

Ages 50+ years: 1,300 mg

*If you are pregnant or breast feeding, consult with a dietitian for your RDA.

 Back to Top

Are there health risks associated with sodium?

Sodium deficiency leads to low blood sugar, confusion, dehydration, muscle cramps, and seizures.

Too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure and possibly heart disease.

 Back to Top

References:

1. Boyle, Marie A., and Sara Long. Personal Nutrition, Seventh Edition California, Wadsworth College Learning, 2010.
2. “Minerals.” U.S. National Library of Medicine. March 9, 2009. Retrieved May 31, 2011 <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus>
3. “Dietary Sodium.” U.S. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved May 31, 2011 <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus>
4. “Sodium.” Health Supplements Nutritional Guide. 2008. Retrieved April 15, 2011 <http://www.healthsupplementsnutritionalguide.com>
5. Healthwise Staff. “Sodium (Na) in blood.” WebMD. E. Gregory Thompson, MD. September 1, 2010. Retrieved April 21, 2011 <http://www.WebMD.com>

Back to Top

Disclaimer

Reasonable care has been taken in preparing this document, and the information provided herein is believed to be accurate. However, this information is not intended to constitute an “authoritative statement” under Food and Drug Administration rules and regulations.

General Safety Advisory

This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is important to seek the advice of a physician about any medical condition or symptom. It is also important to seek the advice of a physician, registered dietitian, pharmacist, or other qualified health professional about the appropriateness of taking dietary supplements and their potential interactions with medications.