Sodium

1.Function of Sodium in the Diet Sodium is a mineral that occurs naturally in some foods and is added to many foods and beverages during processing, cooking, or at the table. Sodium attracts water into the blood vessels and helps maintain normal blood volume and blood pressure. Sodium is also needed for the normal function of nerves and muscles. +

2.Sources of Sodium in the Diet 1/3 of sodium comes from salt added to food during cooking or at the table. 2/3 of sodium is naturally present or added during processing. Most of the sodium in the American diet comes from table salt (sodium chloride). 40% - 60%

Salt to Sodium Conversion: ¼ teaspoon salt = 500 milligrams sodium 3.Recommended Dietary Intake The safe and adequate amount of dietary sodium is estimated at 1,100 to 3,300 milligrams daily for adults and slightly less for teens.

4.Health Risks Associated with Sodium High-sodium diets increase the risk of high blood pressure among some people and aggravates high blood pressure once it exists. High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease. _

5.Sources of Sodium other than Table Salt Bread and bakery products Cured and processed meats Canned vegetables Milk products (processed cheeses – highest) (natural cheeses – lowest) Convenience foods Condiments (pickles, ketchup, etc.) Snacks

6.Sodium is added to many foods to flavor them or for functional purposes. Baking Powder & Baking Soda - Leaveners Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) – Flavor enhancer Sodium Benzoate - Preservative Sodium Caseinate – Thickener, binder

Sodium Citrate – Buffer, control acidity in soft drinks and fruit drinks Sodium Nitrite – Curing agent in meat, provides color, prevents botulism Sodium Phosphate – Emulsifier, stabilizer, buffer

Sodium Propionate – Mold inhibitor Sodium Saccharin – Artificial sweetener