Sodium

Essential for

water balance in the body
muscle contraction
acid-alkali balance
nerve impulse transmission
energy production
stomach acid production

Absorption and metabolism

Sodium is easily absorbed.

Deficiency

Sodium deficiency is rare and toxic effects from high intakes are of greater concern. Deficiency may occur in high temperatures due to hard exercise or manual work.

Sources

Foods high in sodium include processed meats, cheese, marga- rine and butter.

Daily recommended dietary intakes

Men                        920-2300 mg

Women                  920-2300 mg

Pregnant women +0 mg Lactating women +0 mg

Toxic effects of excess intake

Toxic effects include high blood pressure, premenstrual syndrome and possibly osteoporosis, asthma and urinary stones.

Interactions

Sodium interacts with potassium, calcium, magnesium and chloride in body functions.

Therapeutic uses

Supplementation is usually unnecessary and is an acquired taste. Sodium bicarbonate may be used to treat metabolic and respiratory acidosis.

Sodium
Sodium health
Sodium absorption
Sodium deficiency
Sodium sources
Sodium recommended daily
Sodium supplements
Sodium toxicity

Potassium
Sodium
Chloride

Other Minerals:

Boron
Calcium
Chromium
Cobalt
Copper
Electrolytes
Potassium
Sodium
Chloride
Fluoride
Iodine
Magnesium
Manganese
Molybdenum
Nickel
Phosphorus
Selenium
Silicon
Sulfur
Vanadium
Zinc