Sodium Chloride
Sodium Chloride
Snapshot
Sodium Chloride, commonly known as table salt, is an essential electrolyte that maintains fluid balance, supports nerve impulse transmission, aids muscle contraction, and contributes to digestive processes via gastric acidity.
What is Sodium Chloride?
Sodium Chloride is the ionic compound comprised of sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl⁻) ions. In the body, it dissociates in extracellular fluid to regulate osmotic pressure, acid‑base balance, and nutrient absorption.
Where It Comes From
Sodium Chloride is harvested from seawater through evaporation or mined from underground salt deposits. It is refined and often iodized to prevent deficiency, then packaged as fine, coarse, or specialty salts for culinary and industrial use.
Key Nutrients & Compounds
This compound provides sodium ions necessary for osmotic equilibrium and chloride ions essential for hydrochloric acid production in the stomach, which supports digestion and pathogen defense.
Health Benefits
Sodium Chloride ensures proper hydration by maintaining extracellular fluid volume. It enables propagation of nerve signals and coordinated muscle contractions. Chloride supports gastric acid formation, aiding protein digestion and preventing bacterial overgrowth in the gut.
Recommended Dosage
Adequate Intake for healthy adults is 1,500 mg of sodium (approximately 3.8 g of sodium chloride) daily. The tolerable upper intake level is 2,300 mg of sodium (approximately 5.8 g sodium chloride) per day to minimize hypertension risk.
How to Use It
Obtain Sodium Chloride through a balanced diet by seasoning foods lightly and choosing minimally processed options. Use electrolyte solutions containing precise salt concentrations during prolonged physical activity or in hot climates to replenish losses.
Who Should Use It?
Most individuals meet needs through diet. Athletes, manual laborers, and those in hot environments may benefit from measured sodium chloride intake for fluid and electrolyte replacement. Medical supervision is advised for individuals on restricted‑sodium diets.
Possible Interactions or Cautions
Excessive intake elevates blood pressure and increases cardiovascular disease risk. Individuals with hypertension, heart failure, or kidney disease should limit sodium chloride and follow healthcare guidance. Combine cautiously with medications affecting fluid balance.
Final Thoughts
Sodium Chloride is fundamental for physiological homeostasis, but moderation is key. Prioritize whole foods, moderate added salt, and tailor intake to individual health status and activity level.
Scientific Studies
He FJ, MacGregor GA. Effect of modest salt reduction on blood pressure: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials. BMJ. 2002;324(7351):970. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.324.7351.970
Sacks FM, Svetkey LP, Vollmer WM, et al. Effects on blood pressure of reduced dietary sodium and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. N Engl J Med. 2001;344(1):3–10. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM200101043440101
Strazzullo P, D’Elia L, Kandala NB, Cappuccio FP. Salt intake, stroke, and cardiovascular disease: meta-analysis of prospective studies. BMJ. 2009;339:b4567. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.b4567