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SUPPbase®
A searchable database of nutritional supplements.
Copyright 2000-2004 Peter J. D'Adamo.
SUPPbase Index
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ssSearch SUPPbase
| Name | Sodium. |
| Description | Sodium (Na) is the predominant cation in extracellular fluid and its concentration is under tight homeostatic control. Excess dietary sodium is excreted in the urine. The mineral is very efficiently reabsorbed by the kidney when intakes are low or losses are excessive. Sodium acts in consort with potassium, the chief cation of intracellular fluid, to maintain proper body water distribution and blood pressure. Sodium also is important in maintaining the proper acid-base balance and in the transmission of nerve impulses.. |
| Deficiency | Persons who experience pronounced losses of sodium through diarrhea, heavy perspiration or inability of the kidney to reabsorb it may experience decreased blood volume and a fall in blood pressure that could result in shock.. |
| Recommendations | The Estimated Minimum Requirement of Healthy Persons for sodium from the National Academy of Sciences ranges from 120 mg/day for infants to 500 mg/day for adults and children 10 years. Recommendations for the maximum amount of sodium that can be incorporated into a healthy diet range from 2,400 to 3,000 mg/day or 6 to 7.5 grams of table salt/day. Individuals with hypertension should see their physician to determine if a sodium-restricted diet is appropriate for them. The usual dietary intake of sodium in the US and other populations where salt is readily available ranges from about 2,300 to 4,500 mg/day. Mean sodium intake for the entire US population is 3,280 mg Na or
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