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Sodium

Regulates body water content and is involved in energy utilisation and nerve function. Most raw foods contain very small amounts of sodium chloride (salt), and during processing, preparation, preservation and serving, additional salt is added. The average intake of salt in the UK is 9.0g/day for men and 7.6g/day for women, which is higher than physiological requirements. It is recommended that this should be reduced to 6.0g/day because high salt intake has been associated with hypertension (high blood pressure) and a low salt diet may be used in the treatment of this condition. Excess sweating e.g. due to exercise in a hot environment, may cause salt depletion.

Source: the main source of salt in the UK diet is from manufactured foods. It may also be added to foods at the table.

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