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Sodium
DESCRIPTION
The adult human body contains
an estimated 120 g of sodium. One-third of total body sodium
is found in the skeletal structure. The rest is found in extracellular
fluids, nerve and muscle tissue.
FUNCTIONS
Sodium is required for nerve
impulse transmission and muscular cell contraction. It is
also important for regulating plasma volume and balancing
fluids in general. Sodium is also involved in acid/base balance.
Sodium plays an important role in glucose transport from the
intestine to the blood.
DEFICIENCY
Deficiency may cause "low
salt syndrome," which is characterised by weakness, laziness,
anorexia and Vomiting, mental confusion, abdominal Cramps,
skeletal muscle aches. Deficiency can also cause plasma volume
reduction.
Sodium deficiencies can
be caused by chronic wasting illness (cancer, liver disease),
major surgery or trauma, excessive sweating, or ingestion
of drugs that inhibit sodium absorption.
REQUIREMENTS
RDA
For adults 1000-3300 mg
For children 11+ 1000-3300 mg
For children 7-10 600-1800 mg
For children 4-6 450-1350 mg
For children 1-3 325-975 mg
For infants 0.5-1 115-350 mg
For infants 0-0.5 115-350 mg
SUPPLEMENTAL USES
Dehydration:
Sodium Chloride can be used to treat dehydration due to excessive
salt loss or salt deficiency. It can also help reduce decreases
in blood volumes in fasting patients.
Excessive perspiration:
Sodium Chloride supplementation can help alleviate excessive
perspiration that occurs regularly.
Low weight or premature
infants:
Sodium supplements can reduce excessive urinary excretion
often seen in low weight or premature infants.
Sodium deficiency:
Sodium can benefit such symptoms as weakness, muscle Cramps,
and aches.
SAFETY
Excessive intake of sodium
can lead to increased blood pressure and increased incidence
of Migraine Headaches. 35-40 g daily of sodium Chloride can
cause edema. High salt intake has also been linked to increased
incidence of stomach cancer and cerebrovascular disease. Doses
that exceed several grams per kilogram of body weight per
day can be deadly, due to its adverse effect on bodily functions,
including heart muscle function.
Salt intake should be restricted
in people with edema, Hypertension, congestive heart failure,
and chronic renal failure.
INTERACTIONS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS
There are no known drug
interactions or contra-indications for sodium.
FOOD SOURCES
Food sources of sodium:
canned asparagus, beef, bread, canned corn, cheese, egg, frankfurters,
ham, milk, peanut butter, canned salmon, sardines, sauerkraut,
Swiss chard, tomato juice, tuna.
REFERENCES
1. Czanarin, DM. Minerals-Food,
Nutrition and Diet Therapy M.V. Krause and L.K. Mahan. W.
B. Saunders Co, Phila, 1984.
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