Regulates body fluids and blood pressure; helps nerve impulse function and muscle contraction.
How Much: 1.5 g for adults age 19 to 50; 1.3 g for adults age 51 to 70. Average daily intake in the U.S. is 5 g.
Too Much: No UL determined.
Too Little: Less than 0.5 g daily leads to headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, muscle cramps and fainting.
Foods: Salt, soy sauce, MSG.
Interactions: Corticosteroids, diuretics, NSAIDS, opiates and tricyclic antidepressants.
Research Notes: One study found women who consumed a high-salt diet (9 g daily) lost 33 percent more calcium and 23 percent more of a bone protein than those on a low-salt diet (2 g/day).
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