Back to knowledge librarySodium and Chloride
What is Sodium and Chloride?
Sodium chloride is commonly known as salt. Both sodium and chloride are minerals found as salt foods such as ready meals, cheese and bread. The UK government recommends an upper limit of sodium intake of 2.4 g per day, and a chloride intake of 2500 mg per day for adults
What is the role of Sodium and Chloride?
Sodium and chloride are involved in maintaining the water content of the body. Chloride also helps to digest food.
What foods contain Sodium and Chloride?
Sodium and chloride are naturally found in small amounts in most food in the form of salt (sodium chloride). Processed foods like ready meals, processed meat, breakfast cereals, cheese, bread and savoury snacks (such as crisps) have added salt. The added salt found in these processed foods can lead to an excess salt in take.
Further Resources:
References:
Public Health England (2016). Government Dietary Recommendations: Government recommendations for energy and nutrients for males and females aged 1–18 years and 19+ years. Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a749fece5274a44083b82d8/government_dietary_recommendations.pdf [Accessed 21 Aug 2024]
National Health Service (2020). Others: Vitamins and minerals. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/others/ [Accessed 12 September 2024].
Written By:
Lucy Clarkson, SENR Nutritionist and Database Support, myfood24.