what is considered low sodium
Rachel Hernandez
Updated on May 24, 2026
A normal blood sodium level is between 135 and 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). Hyponatremia occurs when the sodium in your blood falls below 135 mEq/L. Many possible conditions and lifestyle factors can lead to hyponatremia, including: Certain medications.
Is 1200 mg of sodium too little?
And how little is too little? The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend the general population limit daily sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg, with high risk groups striving for no more than 1,500 mg. 1 The American Heart Association (AHA) supports a 1,500 mg target for everyone.
How many mg of sodium is too low?
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the minimum physiological requirement for sodium is less than 500 mg a day — or less than the amount in one quarter of one teaspoon of table salt. For most Americans, eating this little sodium is near impossible.
Is 200 mg of sodium a lot?
The average American consumes a daily sodium intake of 3,400 mg, so keeping your sodium content to 200 mg a day is considered a low sodium diet. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for sodium is less than 2,300 milligrams per day.
Is 124 a low sodium level?
Your blood sodium level is normal if it’s 135 to 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). If it’s below 135 mEq/L, it’s hyponatremia.
What is a critical sodium level?
In many hospital laboratories 160 mEq/L is chosen as the upper critical value. The evidence of this study suggests that sodium in the range of 155-160 mEq/L is associated with high risk of death and that 155 mEq/L rather than 160 mEq/L might be more suitable as the upper critical level.
What is a good sodium intake?
The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that Americans consume less than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day as part of a healthy eating pattern.
What is the minimum sodium intake per day?
However, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends adults limit sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day—that’s equal to about 1 teaspoon of table salt! For children under age 14, recommended limits are even lower.
Is 500mg of sodium a lot?
The body needs only a small amount of sodium (less than 500 milligrams per day) to function properly. That’s a mere smidgen — the amount in less than ¼ teaspoon. Very few people come close to eating less than that amount. Plus, healthy kidneys are great at retaining the sodium that your body needs.
How do you raise your sodium level?
If you have moderate, chronic hyponatremia due to your diet, diuretics or drinking too much water, your doctor may recommend temporarily cutting back on fluids. He or she may also suggest adjusting your diuretic use to increase the level of sodium in your blood.
What are symptoms of sodium deficiency?
Low blood sodium is common in older adults, especially those who are hospitalized or living in long-term care facilities. Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia can include altered personality, lethargy and confusion. Severe hyponatremia can cause seizures, coma and even death.
Is 1000 mg of sodium a lot?
The maximum daily limit for adults is a little less than six times this figure: 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. Children need much less sodium. Limits range from 1,000 milligrams of sodium per day for children aged one to three years, and between 1,400mg to 2,000mg for those aged between four to 13 years.
What is considered high sodium in a meal?
Low-sodium food: less than 140 milligrams per serving. Moderate-sodium food: less than 400 milligrams per serving. High-sodium food: more than 400 milligrams per serving.
Is 230 mg of sodium a lot?
As a general guideline, 10% DV (230 mg) or less of sodium per serving is considered low, and 40% DV (920 mg) or more of sodium per serving is considered high.
Is 1010 mg sodium a lot?
The normal range for blood sodium is between 135 and 145 mEq/L (3.10 mg/ml to 3.34 mg/ml). Higher levels of sodium are normally associated with hypertension. A sodium level of 150 mEq/L (3.45 mg/ml) or more is known as hypernatremia, a condition that is commonly caused by dehydration or eating too much salt.
How do you fix sodium deficit?
In patients with severe symptomatic hyponatremia, the rate of sodium correction should be 6 to 12 mEq per L in the first 24 hours and 18 mEq per L or less in 48 hours. A bolus of 100 to 150 mL of hypertonic 3% saline can be given to correct severe hyponatremia.
What can I drink if I have low sodium?
Here are 8 electrolyte-rich beverages you may want to add to your health and wellness tool kit.
Coconut water. Coconut water, or coconut juice, is the clear liquid found inside of a coconut. Milk. Watermelon water (and other fruit juices) Smoothies. Electrolyte-infused waters. Electrolyte tablets. Sports drinks. Pedialyte.
Will eating salt help hyponatremia?
Mild cases of hyponatremia may be treated with increased dietary salt intake. Severe cases may require intravenous (IV) sodium replacement delivered over hours or days.