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Sodium in diet - Overview

Alternative Names

Diet - sodium (salt)

Definition of Sodium in diet:

Sodium is an element that the body needs to function properly.

Function:

The body uses sodium to regulate blood pressure and blood volume. Sodium is also critical for the functioning of muscles and nerves.

Sodium content

Reviewed last on: 5/26/2010
David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc, and David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine.

References

Lichtenstein AH, et al. AHA Scientific Statement. Diet and lifestyle recommendations revision 2006. A scientific statement from the American Heart Association Nutrition Committee. Circulation. 2006;114:82-96.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Dietary Guidelines for Americans -- 2005. Chapter 8: Sodium and Potassium. Accessed May 25, 2010.

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