Sodium (Na)

What is sodium?

Sodium (Na) is a mineral that is important for maintaining the composition of body fluids. In the body, sodium is charged and is called an electrolyte. Ordinary table salt contains sodium in the form of salted sodium chloride (NaCl), and together with prepared foods are common sources of sodium. Most people get too much sodium and should limit their salt intake.

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Sodium (Na) is a mineral. In the body, sodium is charged and is called an electrolyte.Sodium is found, among other things, as various types of salt. Sodium chloride (NaCl) is the most common, and is often called table salt, table salt or just salt.What does sodium do for the body?Sodium maintains the correct composition of body fluids. This means that sodium, among other things, ensures that we have the correct fluid balance and that the acid and base balance is correct.Sodium is important for the transmission of nerve signals and muscle contractions.Sources of sodium in the dietThe biggest source of salt in our diet is industrially processed foods (semi-finished and ready-to-eat foods). About 3/4 of our daily salt intake comes from such foods. The best tip for reducing salt intake is therefore to cook as much food as possible from scratch.

Direct salting of the food we eat, either during cooking or eating, is also an important part of our salt intake. There are big differences in how much or how little you salt the food.

Recommended daily intake of sodiumThe Norwegian Directorate of Health recommends that you consume no more than 5 grams of salt a day. However, most people get about twice as much.

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What happens when there is a lack of sodium?A lack of sodium is rare, but can occur with extreme sweating and severe diarrhoea. If there is a simultaneous lack of water (dehydration), the blood pressure can become life-threateningly low. People with diabetes or certain kidney disorders are more prone to sodium deficiency.

Symptoms of sodium deficiencyThe symptoms of sodium deficiency are often numerous and diffuse, and vary depending on the severity of the sodium deficiency. Examples of symptoms of sodium deficiency:

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• Dry mouth.

• Nausea and headache.

• Weakness and lethargy.

• Muscle cramps.

• Loss of appetite.

What happens with too much sodium intake?

• High sodium intake over time increases the risk of developing diseases:

• High blood pressure.

• Various cardiovascular diseases.

• Stroke.

• An acute sodium overdose (salt poisoning) can be fatal in the worst case scenario.

• Symptoms of acute salt poisoning

• Vomiting and vomiting.

• Thirst.

• Abdominal pain.

• Blood pressure changes.

• Irritability.

• Lethargy and unconsciousness.

• Cramps.