Sodium

How it is used

Used in work on high blood pressure, kidney disease and heart failure. Labels may show sodium or salt. The WHO recommends less than 5 g of salt a day for adults. Common phrases are 'low-sodium diet', 'sodium content' and 'reduce sodium intake'.

Example sentences

1. This soup contains 800 mg of sodium per serving, which is about 2 g of salt.

2. Bread is one of the biggest sources of sodium in the Turkish diet.

Common collocations

• sodium intake
• low-sodium diet
• high in sodium
• sodium content

Related terms

• electrolyteA mineral, such as sodium, potassium, chloride or magnesium, that carries an electric charge in body fluids and helps control fluid balance, nerves and muscles.
• mineralAn inorganic element, such as calcium, iron, zinc or potassium, that the body needs for bones, blood, nerves and many chemical reactions, and must get from food and water.
• nutrition labelThe panel on packaged food that lists the energy and the amounts of nutrients, such as fat, carbohydrate, sugar, protein and salt, usually per 100 g and per serving.
• cut down onTo eat, drink or use less of something, without stopping completely. It describes a softer, more realistic goal than cutting something out of the diet.
• hydrationThe state of having enough water in the body, and the process of taking in fluids to reach or keep it. Water is needed for temperature control, digestion and blood volume.

More terms: Vitamins and Minerals

• micronutrient
• vitamin
• deficiency
• supplement
• iron
• calcium
• vitamin D
• antioxidant
• fat-soluble vitamin
• folate
• vitamin B12
• fortified