Updated: December 18, 2024

Sodium is a reactive metal that is never found in free form in nature due to its high reactivity. Instead, it is always seen as a salt. The most common dietary form of sodium is sodium chloride, commonly referred to as table salt. Sodium chloride is used in food to add flavor and preserve food. Sodium is high in processed foods such as snack foods, fast food, canned and frozen foods, lunch meats, condiments, and pickled foods. Sodium chloride also exists naturally in virtually all foods, making it easy to meet intake requirements with a healthful, varied diet that has no salt added.

On average, the amount of sodium required can be obtained from foods, but there are conditions that can make the level of sodium go low. In such circumstances, it is advisable to seek medical advice before taking supplements due to the adverse effects associated with either high or low sodium intake. Intake of high amounts of sodium puts people at risk of experiencing such conditions as fluid retention, circulatory disorders, high blood pressure, heart disorders, and kidney disorders. Low-sodium diets may help anyone who is at risk of these issues.

Uses of Sodium

• Sodium chloride is taken by mouth for low sodium levels, preventing kidney toxicity caused by amphotericin B, and preventing kidney toxicity caused by contrast agents used in imaging.

• Sodium chloride solution (saline) is injected intravenously to prevent kidney toxicity caused by amphotericin B, reduce brain swelling and pressure inside the skull, and treat complications of infections like sepsis.

• Sodium chloride solution is applied for pinkeye (conjunctivitis), dry eye syndrome, mouth sores, nasal congestion, sore throat, and sinusitis.

• Sodium chloride solution is inhaled for cystic fibrosis. This helps produce sputum, making it easier for patients to breathe. Sodium also aids in balancing fluid and electrolytes in the body.

Deficiency

Sodium plays a critical role in regulating water balance, muscle and nerve function, and maintaining the circulatory system. It helps regulate blood pressure, protect against blood clotting, and aid digestion. A low sodium level, called hyponatremia, occurs when there is insufficient sodium in body fluids outside the cells. Causes include excessive water intake, burns, heart disease, certain medications, illnesses causing vomiting or diarrhea, kidney and liver disease, and other underlying conditions.

Severe hyponatremia can cause cells to swell, leading to organ damage and potentially death, mainly if brain cells swell. Symptoms such as nausea, muscle cramps, disorientation, slurred speech, confusion, seizures, or unconsciousness signal a medical emergency. Treatment involves adjusting medications, reducing fluid intake, or, in severe cases, hospitalization and IV sodium solutions. Treating underlying conditions is essential. People engaged in vigorous exercise in hot environments should take extra sodium to replace losses from perspiration.

Hyponatremia in Old Age

The prevalence of hyponatremia increases in old age due to:

• Chronic congestive cardiac failure

• Chronic kidney disease

• Neurological diseases, including stroke

• Dehydration

• Bronchopneumonia

• Malignancy

Commonly prescribed drugs causing hyponatremia include thiazide diuretics, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, carbamazepine, and neuroleptic medications. Age-related changes in homeostatic mechanisms also contribute:

• Decreased urinary concentrating ability

• Decreased aldosterone levels

• Decreased glomerular filtration rate

• Increased arginine vasopressin and atrial natriuretic peptide levels

• The lower sensitivity of thirst mechanisms

• Difficulty drinking fluids due to physical or cognitive impairments

Uses and Effectiveness

• Hyponatremia: Intravenous sodium chloride solutions (hypertonic saline) reduce symptoms of low sodium levels.

• Cystic Fibrosis: Inhalation of 3% to 7% sodium chloride solutions reduces airway obstruction short-term and improves quality of life long-term.

• Kidney Problems (Amphotericin B): Sodium chloride solutions lessen kidney function decline caused by amphotericin B.

• Sinus Swelling: Nasal irrigation with sodium chloride improves symptoms, though less effective than steroid drugs.

Insufficient Evidence For

• Dry eye syndrome

• Kidney problems caused by imaging dyes

• Mouth sores

• Pinkeye

• Sepsis

• Sore throat

• Brain swelling and pressure reduction

Side Effects and Safety

Sodium is likely safe for most people when taken appropriately by mouth or as medicine. However, excessive sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure, stomach lining swelling, stomach cancer, and bone and muscle loss in bed rest patients. Sodium and potassium balance is crucial, as their dietary ratio affects blood pressure and kidney function more than sodium levels alone.

Special Precautions and Warnings

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Sodium is likely safe in doses under 2.3 grams daily but possibly unsafe at higher doses due to the risk of elevated blood pressure.

• Children: Age-specific safe sodium intake levels range from 1.5 to 2.3 grams daily, with higher amounts possibly unsafe.

• High Sodium Levels: Sodium supplementation might exacerbate this condition.

• High Blood Pressure: Excessive sodium intake can worsen high blood pressure.

Business Opportunities in the B2B sector

Food Industry

For food manufacturers, sodium plays a dual role as both a flavor enhancer and a preservative. Processed food producers can optimize sodium usage to meet growing consumer demand for low-sodium options while retaining taste and shelf stability. Sodium chloride also offers a natural solution for food preservation, reducing reliance on synthetic additives. Manufacturers targeting health-conscious consumers must adopt clear sodium labeling and potentially invest in alternative sodium-reduction technologies, such as potassium chloride blends, to remain competitive. (Source: McKinsey on Food Processing and Handling).

Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare

Sodium-based solutions like saline are essential in healthcare, particularly for intravenous therapy, inhalants, and topical applications. Pharmaceutical companies can focus on producing advanced sodium chloride formulations for conditions such as hyponatremia, cystic fibrosis, and sinusitis. Innovation in hypertonic saline inhalation systems and more effective nasal irrigation solutions can expand treatment options and capture market demand in respiratory and ENT (ear, nose, throat) therapies.

Agriculture and Animal Health

The agriculture sector benefits from sodium's role in animal health, particularly in maintaining electrolyte balance and hydration for livestock. Sodium chloride supplementation in animal feed can improve performance metrics, such as weight gain and milk production, making it indispensable for livestock farmers. Feed companies can explore sodium-related innovations to support sustainable farming practices.

Final Thoughts

Sodium is not only used as a very reactive metal or as the essential component of table salt. It serves some of the most sensitive requirements for food product preservation, medical procedures, and industrial use. The need to sustain the electrolyte balance in the body and other health functions has made it essential for people to consume it. From modern healthcare solutions to better food preparation or environmentally friendly farming techniques, sodium remains at the center of several industries and creates new developments and problems for each field.