MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Sodium content

Medical Encyclopedia

Sodium content

Sodium is an element that the body needs to function properly to regulate blood pressure and blood volume. For individuals who are sodium-sensitive, an increased intake of sodium may contribute to high blood pressure. When watching the intake of sodium, read labels carefully to determine the total sodium content. Canned, packaged, and frozen foods can be particularly high in sodium.

Update Date: 6/23/2008

Updated by: Patrika Tsai, MD, MPH, Assistant Clinical Professor, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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