What is an acceptable daily sodium intake?

November 2, 2025 •

3 min read

The average American consumes around 3,400 milligrams of sodium daily, far exceeding recommended limits. Understanding what is an acceptable daily sodium intake is crucial, as consistently high consumption is linked to a heightened risk of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. By making informed dietary choices, you can better manage your sodium intake for improved health.

Quick Summary

This guide breaks down daily sodium intake recommendations for various populations, including general adults and those with specific health conditions. It explains why sodium is necessary but harmful in excess, identifies common sources of sodium, and offers practical strategies for reducing intake through dietary adjustments. Comparing different recommendations and understanding food labels empowers you to make healthier choices.

Key Points

General Adult Recommendation: Aim for no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day, which is about one teaspoon of table salt.
High-Risk Individuals: If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or other related conditions, your optimal target is 1,500 mg daily.
Processed Foods are Key Culprits: Over 70% of the sodium consumed by most people comes from packaged, prepared, and restaurant foods, not the salt shaker.
Read Food Labels: Check the Nutrition Facts label for sodium content; 5% DV or less per serving is low, while 20% or more is high.
Reduce Intake with Smart Swaps: Cook at home more often and use herbs, spices, and salt-free seasoning blends to flavor your food.
Protect Your Heart: Controlling your sodium intake is a crucial step toward managing blood pressure and reducing your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Understanding Daily Sodium Recommendations

Sodium is an essential mineral vital for maintaining nerve and muscle function and regulating fluid balance. However, modern diets often contain excessive amounts, primarily from processed and prepared foods, not from the salt shaker. Health organizations worldwide have established guidelines to help people stay within a healthy range, acknowledging that individual needs can vary.

General Adult Guidelines

For most healthy adults, the maximum recommended daily sodium intake is 2,300 milligrams (mg). This amount is roughly equivalent to one teaspoon of table salt. Many people consume far more, with averages in the U.S. often exceeding 3,300 mg per day. Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) even suggest a stricter limit of less than 2,000 mg daily for adults. Adhering to these general guidelines can significantly reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases over time.

Recommendations for High-Risk Individuals

For individuals with certain health conditions, particularly high blood pressure, the recommended limit is even lower. The American Heart Association (AHA) suggests an optimal target of no more than 1,500 mg per day for most adults, especially those with or at risk for hypertension. Older adults and those with diabetes or kidney disease are often more sensitive to the effects of sodium and should discuss a lower target with their healthcare provider.

Sodium Intake for Children

Daily sodium limits for children are lower than those for adults and vary by age. Excessive sodium consumption during childhood can lead to higher blood pressure and other health issues later in life. The recommended maximum daily intake for children and teens is as follows:

Ages 1–3: 1,200 mg per day
Ages 4–8: 1,500 mg per day
Ages 9–13: 1,800 mg per day
Ages 14 and up: 2,300 mg per day

How to Track and Reduce Your Sodium Intake

Since most dietary sodium comes from processed foods, learning to read nutrition labels is essential. Look for the 'Sodium' line and the % Daily Value (DV). A food with 5% DV or less per serving is considered low in sodium, while 20% or more is considered high.

Tips for Reducing Sodium:

Cook at home more often: This gives you full control over how much salt is added.
Use herbs and spices: Season your food with alternatives like garlic, onion powder, citrus, or salt-free seasoning blends instead of table salt.
Choose fresh or frozen: Opt for fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables over canned versions, or rinse canned foods to remove some sodium.
Beware of hidden sodium: Many packaged items that don't taste salty, like bread, cereals, and baked goods, contain significant amounts of sodium.
Make smart restaurant choices: Request sauces and dressings on the side and ask for your meal to be prepared without added salt.

Comparison of Sodium Recommendations


Health Organization	Population	Recommended Daily Sodium Intake	Notes
American Heart Association (AHA)	Most Adults	No more than 2,300 mg	Optimal limit is 1,500 mg for most adults, especially those with high blood pressure.
American Heart Association (AHA)	Most Adults	Optimal limit of no more than 1,500 mg	Aim for this target for better heart health, particularly with high blood pressure.
World Health Organization (WHO)	Adults	Less than 2,000 mg	A global standard to help reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases.
Dietary Guidelines for Americans (FDA)	Adults (14+ years)	Less than 2,300 mg	The Daily Value reference amount for the general population.
Johns Hopkins Medicine	Minimum daily requirement	About 500 mg	The body needs only a small amount to function properly.

Conclusion

An acceptable daily sodium intake is a range rather than a single number, varying based on an individual's health status and age. While general adults are advised to limit intake to 2,300 mg daily, those with specific health concerns like high blood pressure should aim for a lower threshold, such as 1,500 mg. The key to maintaining a healthy sodium level is to be aware of what you're consuming, especially from processed and restaurant foods. By making small, mindful changes to your diet, such as cooking at home more and seasoning with herbs instead of salt, you can effectively manage your intake and improve your overall health. For personalized advice, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt (sodium chloride) is a compound, while sodium is the mineral component found in salt. The terms are often used interchangeably, but health recommendations typically refer to the amount of sodium, not total salt.

The average American consumes around 3,400 mg of sodium per day, which is significantly more than the recommended limit of 2,300 mg for most adults.

It is unlikely that most healthy people will consume too little sodium, as the body requires only a small amount (around 500 mg per day) and the mineral is present in many foods. Exceptions include competitive athletes who lose large amounts of sodium through sweat or those advised by a doctor.

Excess sodium intake is primarily linked to high blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. A high sodium diet can also cause water retention, leading to swelling.

When dining out, ask for sauces and dressings to be served on the side and request that your meal be prepared without added salt. Choosing grilled or steamed options over fried can also help.

Yes, many processed foods that do not taste salty, such as breads, cereals, and baked goods, contain substantial amounts of sodium used for preservation and other functions. Always check the nutrition label.

It may take a few weeks for your taste buds to acclimate to a lower-sodium diet. As you decrease your intake, your sensitivity to salt will increase, and you will begin to appreciate the natural flavors of food more fully.