| Gender | Age | Intake |
|---|---|---|
| 0-3 months | Male | 200 mg/day |
| 0-3 months | Female | 200 mg/day |
| 4-6 months | Male | 280 mg/day |
| 4-6 months | Female | 280 mg/day |
| 7-12 months | Male | 350 mg/day |
| 7-12 months | Female | 350 mg/day |
| 1-3 years | Male | 500 mg/day |
| 1-3 years | Female | 500 mg/day |
| 4-7 years | Male | 700 mg/day |
| 4-7 years | Female | 700 mg/day |
| 8-11 years | Male | 1000 mg/day |
| 8-11 years | Female | 1000 mg/day |
| 12-14 years | Male | 1100 mg/day |
| 12-14 years | Female | 1100 mg/day |
| 15-18 years | Male | 1300 mg/day |
| 15-18 years | Female | 1300 mg/day |
| 19-50 years | Male | 1500 mg/day |
| 19-50 years | Female | 1500 mg/day |
| 51-70 years | Male | 1300 mg/day |
| 51-70 years | Female | 1300 mg/day |
| 70 years and older | Male | 1200 mg/day |
| 70 years and older | Female | 1200 mg/day |
This essential mineral is required by the human body for proper functioning. It is found mainly in bones, muscle tissue, nerves, and fluids.
Sodium is necessary for regulating blood volume, normal blood pressure, proper work of nerves and muscles, and some other important functions.
Sodium is very important for digestive and excretory systems. Together with potassium and chlorine, it takes part in regulation of water-salt metabolism and maintains balance of extracellular and tissue fluids.
Lack of sodium occurs rarely, though it can happen after diarrhea, vomiting, crash diets on water or juice, and in sportsmen who drink too much water. Its deficiency can lead to lack of appetite, gastric spasms, losing weight, skin rash, convulsions, muscle weakness, and other health issues.
Over-consumption of the mineral happens much more often. It causes high blood pressure, increases risk of stroke and heart attack, kidney disease and other problems.
Table salt is the most general source of sodium, but it is also found in a number of other foods. Some products, like processed meats or fast foods, contain too much sodium.
In a healthy body, sodium is easily absorbed and is completely excreted in urine.
Persons with high blood pressure, kidney disease, cirrhosis, and congestive heart failure should stay on a low-sodium diet.