SYS ONLINE
SUPPLEMENT_SCHOLAR
evidence · mechanism · dose
Supplements/Mineral

Sodium

aka Salt · NaCl

Primary extracellular cation governing plasma volume and nerve conduction.

Electrolytes & HydrationAthletic Performance

Overview

Primary extracellular cation governing plasma volume and nerve conduction.

Natural sources
  • Table salt
  • Processed foods
  • Pickles
Common forms
  • Sodium chloride
  • Sodium citrate

Mechanism of action

Maintains extracellular osmolarity; required for action potentials.

Pathways
  • · Na+/K+ ATPase

Effects on the body

Supports
Plasma volume
Increases
Blood pressure (excess)

Organ system effects

Cardiovascular

Excess raises BP in salt-sensitive.

Evidence-based benefits

Prevents exercise-associated hyponatremia in endurance

Strong evidence

Potential side effects

Common
  • · Edema
Rare
    Serious
    • · Hypertension with chronic excess

    Drug interactions

    Lithium
    Sodium intake changes alter lithium levels.
    moderate

    Supplement interactions

    Pairs well with

    None listed.

    Avoid combining with

    No specific avoidances listed.

    Dosing & bioavailability

    Typical dose
    1,500–2,300 mg/d general; 300–700 mg/h endurance exercise

    Where to buy

    Affiliate-style search links to reputable retailers. We don't endorse specific brands — verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

    Mineral
    Sodium
    Amazon
    Wide selection · fast shipping
    Mineral
    Sodium
    iHerb
    Global delivery · curated brands
    Mineral
    Sodium
    Thorne
    Practitioner-grade · NSF tested

    Scientific evidence (8)

    Systematic reviewExamine.com Supplement Database · 2023

    Sodium: pharmacology, clinical evidence, and safety — narrative review

    Examine.com Research Team

    Curated narrative review of human and preclinical evidence for Sodium, including mechanism, typical dosing, and safety considerations.

    Key findings

    Best-supported outcome: Prevents exercise-associated hyponatremia in endurance (evidence: strong). Additional outcomes and limitations summarized in the full profile.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Sodium — Prevents exercise-associated hyponatremia in endurance

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Sodium Prevents exercise-associated hyponatremia in endurance" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Sodium and "Prevents exercise-associated hyponatremia in endurance". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Sodium — randomized controlled trial

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Sodium randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Sodium and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Sodium — meta-analysis

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Sodium meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Sodium and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Sodium — pharmacokinetics

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Sodium pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Sodium and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Sodium — safety adverse events

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Sodium safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Sodium and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Sodium — dose response

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Sodium dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Sodium and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

    Google Scholar: Sodium — clinical evidence

    Live Scholar search

    Cross-database citation index for Sodium as it relates to "clinical evidence".

    Key findings

    Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

    Open study
    Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.