What is the DRI for sodium intake?
The Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) are a set of reference values for nutrient intake, developed by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) for the United States and Canada. These values are meant to guide healthy eating and are based on the latest scientific evidence regarding nutrient intake and health outcomes. The DRI for sodium includes two key metrics: the Adequate Intake (AI) and the newer Chronic Disease Risk Reduction (CDRR) intake.
Understanding the Adequate Intake (AI)
The AI is a recommended average daily nutrient intake level based on observed or experimentally determined approximations of nutrient intake by a group of healthy people. For sodium, the AI represents the amount deemed sufficient for most healthy individuals to maintain key bodily functions, like nerve impulse transmission and fluid balance. For adults aged 14 and older, the AI for sodium is set at 1,500 mg per day.
The Chronic Disease Risk Reduction (CDRR) Intake
In a 2019 update, the NASEM introduced a new category for sodium called the Chronic Disease Risk Reduction (CDRR) intake. The CDRR is defined as an intake level above which reduction is expected to lower chronic disease risk within an apparently healthy population. For adults aged 14 and older, this value is 2,300 mg per day. The CDRR was established based on strong evidence linking high sodium intake to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension. It serves as a more realistic and attainable public health target compared to the lower AI for those with habitually high sodium diets.
DRI guidelines for different life stages
The sodium DRI guidelines are tailored to different age groups and life stages, reflecting varying physiological needs.
Infants
For infants, the recommendations are based on intakes from breast milk and complementary foods.
- Ages 0–6 months: Adequate Intake (AI) is 110 mg/day.
- Ages 7–12 months: Adequate Intake (AI) is 370 mg/day.
Children and Adolescents
The guidelines for children and adolescents are extrapolated from adult values based on estimated energy requirements.
- Ages 1–3 years: AI of 800 mg/day, with a CDRR to reduce intake if above 1,200 mg/day.
- Ages 4–8 years: AI of 1,000 mg/day, with a CDRR to reduce intake if above 1,500 mg/day.
- Ages 9–13 years: AI of 1,200 mg/day, with a CDRR to reduce intake if above 1,800 mg/day.
- Ages 14–18 years: AI of 1,500 mg/day, with a CDRR to reduce intake if above 2,300 mg/day.
Adults
For most healthy adults, the recommendations are as follows:
- Ages 19–50 years: AI of 1,500 mg/day, with a CDRR to reduce intake if above 2,300 mg/day.
- Ages 51–70 years: AI of 1,300 mg/day.
- Ages 70+ years: AI of 1,200 mg/day.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnant and lactating women's sodium intake recommendations are generally the same as those for non-pregnant adults in the same age group, based on the AI of 1,500 mg/day and the CDRR of 2,300 mg/day. Specific advice might vary based on individual medical conditions.
Comparison of sodium intake guidelines
This table compares the Adequate Intake (AI) and the Chronic Disease Risk Reduction (CDRR) intake for different age groups, illustrating the shift in dietary advice towards chronic disease prevention.
| Age Group | Adequate Intake (AI) (mg/day) | Chronic Disease Risk Reduction (CDRR) Intake (mg/day) |
|---|---|---|
| Infants 0–6 months | 110 | Not established |
| Infants 7–12 months | 370 | Not established |
| Children 1–3 years | 800 | Reduce intake if above 1,200 |
| Children 4–8 years | 1,000 | Reduce intake if above 1,500 |
| Adolescents 9–13 years | 1,200 | Reduce intake if above 1,800 |
| Adults 14–70 years | 1,500 | Reduce intake if above 2,300 |
| Adults 51–70 years | 1,300 | Reduce intake if above 2,300 |
| Adults 70+ years | 1,200 | Reduce intake if above 2,300 |
Practical tips for reducing sodium intake
With a large portion of dietary sodium coming from processed foods, controlling intake requires careful attention to food choices.
- Read nutrition labels: Check the sodium content per serving and the percentage of the Daily Value (%DV). A %DV of 5% or less is considered low, while 20% or more is high.
- Cook more at home: Home cooking allows full control over the amount of salt and other sodium-containing ingredients added to meals.
- Choose fresh foods: Opt for fresh or frozen vegetables without added sauces or seasonings over canned varieties, which are often high in sodium.
- Rinse canned goods: Rinsing canned beans, tuna, and vegetables can help remove some of the sodium.
- Use herbs and spices: Enhance the flavor of food with herbs, spices, and other seasonings instead of relying on salt.
- Be mindful of condiments: Condiments like soy sauce, ketchup, and salad dressings can contain significant amounts of sodium. Look for low-sodium versions or use them sparingly.
Conclusion
The DRI guidelines for sodium intake provide a science-based roadmap for managing sodium consumption to support overall health and minimize the risk of chronic diseases. The Adequate Intake (AI) serves as a baseline for nutritional needs, while the more recent Chronic Disease Risk Reduction (CDRR) sets a practical public health target to combat the widespread issue of excessive sodium consumption. By understanding and following these guidelines for infants, children, and adults, individuals can make informed dietary choices that contribute to better long-term health outcomes. Making a conscious effort to limit processed foods and add flavor with alternative seasonings are practical steps toward meeting these recommendations.
For more detailed information, consult the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's report on the Dietary Reference Intakes for Sodium and Potassium.
