Dietary Sodium

"The IOM has set an Adequate Intake level for sodium for healthy adults between the ages of nineteen and fifty at 1,500 milligrams per day. Table salt is approximately 40 percent sodium and 60 percent chloride. As a reference point, only two-thirds teaspoon of salt is needed in the diet to meet the Adequate Intake for sodium. The Adequate Intake takes into account the amount of sodium lost in sweat during recommended physical activity levels and additionally provides for the sufficient intake of other nutrients, such as chloride. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level for sodium is 2,300 milligrams per day for adults. Just over 1 teaspoon of salt contains the 2,300 milligrams of sodium recommended. The Upper Intake Level is considered appropriate for healthy individuals but not those with hypertension, or high blood pressure. The IOM estimates that greater than 95 percent of men and 75 percent of women in America consume salt in excess of the Upper Intake Level. Many scientific studies demonstrate that reducing salt intake prevents hypertension, is helpful in reducing blood pressure after hypertension is diagnosed, and reduces the risk for cardiovascular disease. The IOM recommends that people over fifty, African Americans, diabetics, and those with chronic kidney disease should consume no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day. The American Heart Association states that all Americans, not just those listed, should consume less than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day to prevent cardiovascular disease. The Adequate Intake and Tolerable Upper Intake Level vary by age. Infants ages 0–6 months have an Adequate Intake of 120 milligrams per day, and infants ages 6–12 months have an Adequate Intake of 370 milligrams; Upper Intake Levels are not determined for infants. Children ages 1–3 years have an Adequate Intake of 1,000 milligrams and an Upper Intake Level of 1,500 milligrams. Children ages 4–8 years have an Adequate Intake of 1,200 milligrams and an Upper Intake Level of 1,900 milligrams. Children ages 9–13 years and adolescents ages 14–18 years have an Adequate Intake of 1,500 milligrams, with Upper Intake Levels of 2,200 and 2,300 milligrams, respectively. Adults ages 19–50 have an Adequate Intake of 1,500 milligrams and an Upper Intake Level of 2,300 milligrams. Adults ages 50–70 have an Adequate Intake of 1,300 milligrams, and adults older than 70 have an Adequate Intake of 1,200 milligrams; the Upper Intake Level for both groups is 2,300 milligrams."