Sodium is the PRIMARY extracellular electrolyte. Average intake is 3,400mg/day (US); recommended limit is 2,300mg/day.
HOWEVER: the 2014 PURE study (100,000+ people) found the LOWEST cardiovascular risk at 3-6g/day sodium, suggesting the current 2,300mg recommendation may be too low for most people.
Athletes lose 500-2,000mg sodium per hour of exercise, replacement is critical (hyponatremia from overhydration without sodium kills more marathon runners than dehydration).
Salt tablets: 250-500mg sodium per capsule.
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*Reviewed by the Avelor Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board*
*Last updated: 2026-04-06*