About Sodium
Sodium is an essential electrolyte that plays a critical role in maintaining blood pressure, fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. It is primarily found in the blood and extracellular fluid, where it helps regulate water distribution and osmotic pressure.
Reference Values
Optimal Range
135.0 - 145.0 mmol/L
Women's Optimal Range
135.0 - 145.0 mmol/L
Elite Value
Not specified
Health Implications
High
Elevated levels may indicate hypernatremia, which can lead to symptoms such as confusion, muscle twitching, seizures, and in severe cases, coma.
Low
Low levels may be associated with hyponatremia, resulting in fatigue, headaches, nausea, and can potentially lead to seizures or coma if left untreated.
Symptoms
{ 'high': 'May include extreme thirst, confusion, restlessness, and increased blood pressure.', 'low': 'Can include confusion, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps, and fatigue due to low energy levels.' }
Lifestyle Factors
Specimen Type
Testing Methods
Also Known As
Scientific Sources
- 1. O'Donnell, M., Mente, A., Alderman, M. H., Brady, A. J. B., Diaz, R., Folsom, A. R., ... & Yusuf, S. (2020). Salt and cardiovascular disease: insufficient evidence to recommend low sodium intake. European Heart Journal, 41(35), 3363-3373.
- 2. Mente, A., O'Donnell, M., Rangarajan, S., Dagenais, G., Lear, S., McQueen, M., ... & Yusuf, S. (2018). Association of urinary sodium and potassium excretion with blood pressure. New England Journal of Medicine, 378(7), 629-640.
- 3. World Health Organization. (2021). Guideline: Sodium intake for adults and children. Geneva: World Health Organization.
- 4. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2020). Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. 9th Edition.
- 5. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2019). Dietary Reference Intakes for Sodium and Potassium. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.