Sodium is an essential mineral found in salt that is important for many bodily functions. It helps regulate blood pressure, fluid balance, and nerve and muscle function. Most sodium intake comes from processed foods and added salt rather than natural sources like fruits and vegetables. The kidneys filter sodium from the bloodstream and regulate levels, with too much or too little sodium posing health risks like high blood pressure or hyponatremia. Maintaining appropriate sodium levels through diet and lifestyle is important for overall health and treatment of some medical conditions.

1. VITAMINS AND MINERALS
SODIUM
Ana Ramirez

2. NUTRIENT INFORMATION : SODIUM
Sodium (Inorganic metal) is one of the most important
elements in the human body. It is the most abundant
cation in the extracellular fluid.
Na is an component of (Sodium Chloride), it is about
40 % of salt.
Dietary Guideline for American refers that:
 1gram of salt = 400 mg sodium.
 1 tsp salt = 2300 mg sodium.
Tolerable Upper Intake level for sodium:
Adults = 2300 mg/ day

3. NUTRIENT INFORMATION: SODIUM
Sodium is common in salted foods, and it is found at
high amount in processed foods. Most of the sodium
in the diet comes from salt. Sodium is derived from
salt added during food processing or added at the
table or during cooking.
 Unprocessed food ( Fruits, vegetables, milk and meat)
contain least sodium. The lowest salt intakes are
associated with diets that emphasize unprocessed
foods, especially fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
 An excellent source of this nutrients are milks, meat
and vegetables.
 A good source of this nutrient are fruits and grains.


4. HOW WE PROCESS SODIUM?
Sodium absorbed by small intestine (most absorption of
this nutrient).
Sodium travel in the bloodstream( sodium is
transported in the blood) until is deposited by blood
in the kidneys to be filters by them.
Return in the bloodstream the exact amount the body
needs. The rest is excreted by the body throught the
urine and others mechanisms.
Large intestine reabsorb and eliminate some minerals
as sodium.

5. HOW WE PROCESS SODIUM?
Cells in the kidneys release renin causing that the
kidneys reabsorb sodium to restore BP and blood
volumen .
Renin activate Angiotensin. This increase the
production of the hormone from adrenal gland
called : Aldosterone.
Aldosterone send signals the kidneys to retain more
sodium, also stimulate absorption. Blood vessels
constrict raising BP.
Sodium is absorbed potassium is excreted.

6. NUTRIENT INFORMATION : SODIUM
Sodium is stored outside cells membrane (sodium is an
electrolyte) due selective permeability of cells
membrane.
Sodium is involved in important body functions:
 Acid- Base balance.
 Water Balance.
 Transmission of nerve impulses.
 Contraction of muscles.
 It is a component in human secretions as:
saliva, gastric and intestinal secretions, bile and
pancreatic fluid.

7. ASSESSMENT OF NUTRIENTS STATUS
IN THE BODY.
The normal sodium level in serum is 135 to 145
mmol/L.
A high sodium level (toxicity & excessive intake) in
serum is called Hypernatremia. Sign and symptoms
of excess of sodium are edema and hypertension.
A low sodium level (deficiency) in serum is called
Hyponatremia.
Sign and Symptoms of sodium deficiency includes
vomiting, heavy sweating and others.

8. ASSESSMENT OF NUTRIENTS STATUS IN THE
BODY.
High salt (Sodium Chloride) intake is the primary
factor of Hypertension (High blood pressure) Sodium
impact blood pressure.
High Sodium is associated with calcium
excretion, influence Osteoporosis (weakness of bones)

9. TREATMENT PLAN
Sodium us used in some medical treatment as:
Sodium bicarbonate: (immediate antiacid effect on the
stomach, but shorter action at intestines). It is
prescribed to treat acidosis, gastric acidity, peptic
ulcer and indigestion.
Sodium Salicylate:
analgesic, antipyretic, antirheumatic. Prescribed to
relieve pain and fever.
Sodium sulfate: prescribed to promote evacuation of
the bowel, it has laxative effect.

10. TREATMENT PLAN
Athlete are in risk of loose sodium.
 Salt tablets are not recommended because too much
salt can induce dehydratation.
 Beverages and food rich in sodium and glucose help
to restore sodium levels.
Non dietary advise that we can provide is make
exercise because this help the body to restore sodium
levels. Also, It help to maintain a healthy heart.


11. WORKS CITED
Mosby’s Medical, Nursing, & Allied Health. Dictionary.
6th ed. Elsevier Mosby. 2005.
Davis, F. A. Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary. Ed
21. Philadelphia. 2009.
Whitney, EN, Rolfes, SR. Understanding Nutrition. 12
th Ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thompson; 2007.
Sodium (Chloride)
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/minerals/sodium/

12. QUESTIONS
1. Sodium toxicity and excessive intake are associated
with the following conditions:
a)Hypotension b) Hypertension c) diabetes d) Cancer.
2. What are the daily value for sodium?
3. A deficiency of sodium is called:
4. Sodium is absorbed in ____________ and travels in
______________ to the_______________ to be filter
by them and regulate level of sodium in food.
5. Mention 3 of the majors functions of sodium in the
body.

13. THE END.