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.
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Sodium
Sodium health
Sodium absorption
Sodium deficiency
Sodium sources
Sodium recommended daily
Sodium supplements
Sodium toxicity
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Other Minerals:
Boron
Calcium
Chromium
Cobalt
Copper
Electrolytes
Potassium
Sodium
Chloride
Fluoride
Iodine
Magnesium
Manganese
Molybdenum
Nickel
Phosphorus
Selenium
Silicon
Sulfur
Vanadium
Zinc

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