Mineral
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.
Adequate intake and an upper intake goal answer different questions
DGE estimates an adequate adult intake of 1,500 mg sodium daily. WHO recommends adults consume less than 2,000 mg daily, equivalent to less than 5 g salt, to reduce health risks. These are total dietary amounts, not supplement doses. 1 2
Salt adds up across ordinary foods
DGE lists 0.6 g salt in a 45 g slice of mixed bread, 0.6 g in 30 g Gouda and 1.2 g in 30 g salami. These are salt values, not sodium values. They illustrate why packaged foods matter alongside the salt added at the table. 3