← Back to Monographs
ingredients

Sodium Chloride

Contents

Background

  • Table salt (sodium chloride; NaCl) is the most common form of dietary sodium. Other sodium salts exist in the diet, including sodium bicarbonate (baking soda; NaHCO3) and sodium acetate. Sodium is necessary for the function of nerves and muscles, as well as for fluid and electrolyte balance.
  • In adults, the adequate intake (AI) of sodium is 1.5 grams daily, with a tolerable upper limit (UL) of 2.3 grams daily. Most individuals in North America consume sodium at levels much higher than recommended. Many experts believe that increased salt consumption is a risk factor for the development of high blood pressure. Too much sodium may also contribute to heart disease (stroke, heart failure), kidney disease, osteoporosis, and stomach cancer.
  • Sodium chloride and other sodium-containing salts may be taken by mouth or injected into the veins to correct electrolyte imbalance. Sodium chloride is also used to help some medicines dissolve in water and as a priming agent for hemodialysis. Baking soda may be used to evaluate parathyroid gland function in people with a specific chromosome disorder (22q11.2 deletion). Concentrated sodium chloride solutions may be inhaled by people with cystic fibrosis to reduce lung complications.
  • Sodium chloride may improve the taste of foods, and it is commonly added to many dishes. However, sodium may increase the risk of high blood pressure in individuals who are genetically susceptible to this condition. Therefore, the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that people "reduce intake to 1,500mg" among persons at risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease.
  • Sodium bicarbonate has been used to treat bleeding gums, sore throats, cankers, mouth sores, and heartburn.
  • Sodium chloride is used to prevent or treat muscle cramps, fatigue, and other symptoms of perspiration caused by the loss of sodium from sweating.

References

  1. Costill, D. L., Verstappen, F., Kuipers, H., et al. Acid-base balance during repeated bouts of exercise: influence of HCO3. Int.J.Sports Med. 1984;5(5):228-231. View Abstract
  2. Coton, T., Mallaret, C., Coilliot, C., et al. Severe acute ulcerated gastritis induced by salt. Presse Med. 2009;38(3):499-500. View Abstract
  3. Donaldson, S. H., Bennett, W. D., Zeman, K. L., et al. Mucus clearance and lung function in cystic fibrosis with hypertonic saline. N.Engl.J.Med. 1-19-2006;354(3):241-250. View Abstract
  4. Frings-Meuthen, P., Buehlmeier, J., Baecker, N., et al. High sodium chloride intake exacerbates immobilization-induced bone resorption and protein losses. J.Appl.Physiol 2011;111(2):537-542. View Abstract
  5. Horswill, C. A., Costill, D. L., Fink, W. J., et al. Influence of sodium bicarbonate on sprint performance: relationship to dosage. Med.Sci.Sports Exerc. 1988;20(6):566-569. View Abstract
  6. Lindh, A. M., Peyrebrune, M. C., Ingham, S. A., et al. Sodium bicarbonate improves swimming performance. Int.J.Sports Med. 2008;29(6):519-523. View Abstract
  7. Matson, L. G. and Tran, Z. V. Effects of sodium bicarbonate ingestion on anaerobic performance: a meta-analytic review. Int.J.Sport Nutr. 1993;3(1):2-28. View Abstract
  8. McCartney, N., Heigenhauser, G. J., and Jones, N. L. Effects of pH on maximal power output and fatigue during short-term dynamic exercise. J.Appl.Physiol 1983;55(1 Pt 1):225-229. View Abstract
  9. McNaughton, L. R. Sodium bicarbonate ingestion and its effects on anaerobic exercise of various durations. J.Sports Sci. 1992;10(5):425-435. View Abstract
  10. McNaughton, L., Dalton, B., and Palmer, G. Sodium bicarbonate can be used as an ergogenic aid in high-intensity, competitive cycle ergometry of 1 h duration. Eur.J.Appl.Physiol Occup.Physiol 1999;80(1):64-69. View Abstract
  11. Meinders, A. E., Cejka, V., and Robertson, G. L. The antidiuretic action of carbamazepine in man. Clin.Sci.Mol.Med. 1974;47(4):289-299. View Abstract
  12. Merten, G. J., Burgess, W. P., Gray, L. V., et al. Prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy with sodium bicarbonate: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA 5-19-2004;291(19):2328-2334. View Abstract
  13. Nagasaki, K., Iwasaki, Y., Ogawa, Y., et al. Evaluation of parathyroid gland function using sodium bicarbonate infusion test for 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Horm.Res.Paediatr. 2011;75(1):14-18. View Abstract
  14. Zabala, M., Requena, B., Sanchez-Munoz, C., et al. Effects of sodium bicarbonate ingestion on performance and perceptual responses in a laboratory-simulated BMX cycling qualification series. J.Strength.Cond.Res. 2008;22(5):1645-1653. View Abstract
  15. Zoungas, S., Ninomiya, T., Huxley, R., et al. Systematic review: sodium bicarbonate treatment regimens for the prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy. Ann.Intern.Med. 11-3-2009;151(9):631-638. View Abstract
Disclaimer: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Related Monographs

ingredients

5-HTP

 ingredients

Acacia

 ingredients

Beta-carotene

 ingredients

Rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa)

 ingredients

Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum)

 ingredients

Sage (Salvia officinalis, Salvia lavandulaefolia, Salvia lavandulifolia)