what is sodium (salt)?

• Sodium an element which is part of common salt.

What does it do?

• A small amount of sodium is needed for normal body functioning. It is involved in many cell processes.

Where is it found?

• Sodium is found in table salt, baking soda, and MSG (monosodium glutamate). It is also present in many foods, especially processed ones.

What happens if we don't get enough?

• This would be rare, as sodium is hard to avoid, and most of us have far more than we need. A lot is lost from the body with excessive sweating or diarrhoea, so more may be needed in these cases.

What happens if we get too much?

• Some people are more likely to get high blood pressure if there is a lot of salt in their diet. It is wise to avoid salty foods as much as possible.
• The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has made some recommendations for sodium intakes for Australians
• Babies 0 to 6 months 120 mg per day
• Babies 7 to 12 months 170 mg per day
• Children 1 to 3 years recommended 200-400 mg per day, upper limit 1,000 mg per day
• Children 4 to 8 years recommended 300-600 mg per day, upper limit 1,400 mg per day
• Children 9 to 13 years recommended 400-800 mg per day, upper limit 2,000 mg per day
• Young people 14 to 18 years recommended 460 to 920 mg per day, upper limit 2,300 mg per day
• Adults 460-920 mg per day, upper limit 2,300 mg per day