Sodium
Sodium is an essential mineral and electrolyte that the body needs for fluid balance and nerve signals. Most dietary sodium comes from table salt.
What it is studied for
The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.
Why does the body need sodium?
Sodium is an electrolyte involved in fluid balance, blood pressure and nerve signaling. Most of it is in fluid outside cells. Being essential does not mean that adding more improves health: high dietary intake raises the risk of high blood pressure. 1 2
Key studies
The most recent publications linked to Sodium's ratings.
Why people take it
SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.
Questions people ask
Are sodium and salt the same?
No. Salt contains sodium and chloride; the listed salt weight is greater than its sodium content. 2 3
Does DGE recommend 1,500 mg as a supplement?
No. Its estimate concerns total sodium intake from the diet. 1
Does a workout mean I need sodium tablets?
The cited benefit came from a specific prolonged exercise protocol in heat. It cannot establish a need for every workout. 4
Is low blood sodium always caused by eating too little salt?
No. DGE describes important roles for fluid balance, sodium losses and diuretic use. 2
Salt
Chloride
Potassium