What are the daily sodium requirements based on age and weight?

From the Guidelines

Sodium requirements vary by age, with infants under 6 months requiring 120 mg daily, children's needs gradually increasing to 1,500 mg for ages 9-18 years, and adults generally needing 1,500-2,300 mg per day. The recommended sodium intake is as follows:

• Infants 0-6 months: 120 mg/day 1
• Infants 7-12 months: 370 mg/day 1
• Children 1-3 years: 1,000 mg/day 1
• Children 4-8 years: 1,200 mg/day 1
• Children 9-13 years: 1,500 mg/day 1
• Adolescents 14-18 years: 1,500 mg/day 1
• Adults: 1,500-2,300 mg/day 1 It's essential to note that these requirements reflect the body's need for sodium to maintain fluid balance, support nerve function, and enable muscle contractions. Some key points to consider:
• Most people consume far more sodium than needed, which can contribute to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease 1
• The American Heart Association recommends a sodium intake <1500 mg/d for the entire US population 1
• Sodium occurring naturally in food accounts for only about 10% of total intake, whereas salt added by manufacturers during processing provides the majority (75%) of sodium in the diet 1
• Reduction of sodium intake can be achieved by replacing processed and canned foods with fresh foods, reading food labels, and reducing salt added to foods at the table 1

From the FDA Drug Label

The dosage of Sodium Chloride Oral Solution 23.4% is predicated on the specific requirements of the patient based on clinical and laboratory information. Ages 9 to 50 4 ml (equivalent to 936 mg) Children under 9 years and adults over 50 years Consult a physician

The sodium requirement is based on the patient's specific needs, determined by clinical and laboratory information. For patients ages 9 to 50, the dosage is 4 ml (equivalent to 936 mg). For children under 9 years and adults over 50 years, a physician should be consulted to determine the dosage 2. Key points:

• The dosage is patient-specific
• Age and weight are not directly correlated with sodium requirement in the provided label
• A physician's consultation is required for certain age groups

From the Research

Sodium Requirement by Age and Weight

• The current guidelines recommend a total sodium intake of less than 2,300 mg/day, regardless of age or weight 3.
• However, some studies suggest that sodium density, which is the amount of sodium per kilocalorie, may be a more accurate measure of sodium intake, especially in adults consuming fewer kilocalories 3.
• A study found that in 2015-2016, only 5.1% of the US population consumed less than 1.1 mg/kcal of sodium density, which is equivalent to 2,300 mg of sodium at 2,100 kcal 3.
• Another study suggests that the optimal sodium intake may be around 3-5 g/day, which is associated with the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality 4.

Sodium Intake Recommendations

• The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg/day for healthy individuals and less than 1,500 mg/day for those who are at risk for high blood pressure or heart disease 3.
• However, some studies suggest that these recommendations may be too low, and that a more moderate sodium intake of 3-5 g/day may be more beneficial for overall health 4.
• It's also important to note that individual sodium needs may vary depending on factors such as age, sex, weight, and activity level 3, 4.

Factors Affecting Sodium Requirement

• Age: Sodium needs may decrease with age, as older adults may require less sodium to maintain optimal blood pressure 3.
• Sex: Sodium needs may vary between men and women, with women generally requiring less sodium than men 3.
• Weight: Sodium needs may increase with weight, as larger individuals may require more sodium to maintain optimal blood pressure 3.
• Activity level: Sodium needs may increase with physical activity, as athletes or individuals who engage in regular physical activity may require more sodium to replace lost electrolytes 4.