Sodium is essential in the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach which protects the body from food infections. It is a component of salt; table salt is 40 percent sodium and 60 percent chloride. Sodium has an important role in maintaining the water balance within cells and in the function of both nerve impulses and muscles. Any extra sodium is excreted by the kidneys.

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.

Different forms or alternative names for Sodium:

Good sources of Sodium are:
salt, kelp, olives, tomatoes,

We have sorted our nutrition database by Sodium 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.

Search for Sodium content in Food

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Sodium content by food category:

Baby Foods		Baked Products
Beef Products		Beverages
Breakfast Cereals		Cereal Grains and Pasta
Dairy and Egg Products		Ethnic Foods
Fast Foods		Fats and Oils
Finfish and Shellfish Products		Fruits and Fruit Juices
Lamb, Veal, and Game Products		Legumes and Legume Products
Meals, Entrees, and Sidedishes		Nut and Seed Products
Pork Products		Poultry Products
Sausages and Luncheon Meats		Snacks
Soups, Sauces, and Gravies		Spices and Herbs
Sweets		Vegetables and Vegetable Products

Deficiency of Sodium may cause:
nausea
dizziness
poor concentration
muscle weakness

Adequate Intake (AI) for Sodium:
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.

Nutrition Facts

Use the links below to find the Nutrition Facts for all of the major vitamins, minerals, amino acids and nutrients that are required by the body.

calories, fat, carbohydrate, high protein food, high fiber food, low carb food, calcium, iron, magnesium, chromium, phosphorus, chloride, potassium, sodium, fluoride, iodine, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, vitamins and minerals, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin B1 (thiamin), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6, biotin (vitamin B7), Folic Acid (vitamin B9), vitamin B12, vitamin B13, vitamin B15, vitamin B17, vitamin K, folic acid, tryptophan, threonine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, cysteine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, valine, arginine, histidine, alanine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, proline, serine, cholesterol, essential fatty acids, trans fat, saturated fat, recommended dietary allowance

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