Consuming excess sodium may lead to edema or water retention. Women who consume excess sodium may be at higher risk for developing osteoporosis even if calcium intake is adequate. Sodium intake is one factor involved in the development of high blood pressure, otherwise known as hypertension. Athletes are sometimes concerned about not getting enough sodium to replace what is lost through perspiration.
Sodium RDA
The RDA for Sodium is actually an Adequate Intake.
children 1-3 yrs 1.0 g
children 4-8 yrs 1.2 g
children 9-13 yrs 1.5 g
Males 14-50 yrs 1.5 g
Males 51-70 yrs 1.3 g
Males 70+ yrs 1.2 g
Females 14-50 yrs 1.5 g
Females 51-70 yrs 1.3 g
Females 70+ yrs 1.2 g
Pregnancy 19-50 yrs 1.5 g
Lactation 19-50 yrs 1.5 g
For further information on nutrients RDA see our complete list for recommended dietary allowance.
Good sources of Sodium are:
salt,
kelp,
olives,
tomatoes,
We have sorted our nutrition database by foods high in sodium. We also have a list of low sodium foods. So you can easily see how much Sodium is contained in different foods. You can also search through our database using the search box below or browse the Sodium content by food category.
Sodium in foods - by food category
Deficiency of Sodium may cause:
nausea
dizziness
poor concentration
muscle weakness