Sodium Intake Recommendations

General Population Guidelines

The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day for the general adult population, with further reduction to 1,500 mg per day for individuals with hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, African Americans, and adults over 51 years of age 1, 2
The World Health Organization recommends less than 2,000 mg/day (5 g salt) as an alternative general population target 2
Reducing sodium intake to less than 1,500 mg/day provides greater blood pressure reduction and cardiovascular benefit 1, 2

The American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association recommend that all individuals with hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, African Americans, and adults over 51 years of age should aim for a sodium intake of less than 1,500 mg/day 1, 3, 4, 5
The American Journal of Kidney Diseases suggests that all persons with chronic kidney disease should limit their sodium intake to less than 1,500 mg/day 1, 5

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends age-appropriate sodium targets based on body weight considerations, with 1,000 mg/day for children 1-3 years and 1,200 mg/day for children 4-8 years 1, 5
Children with chronic kidney disease and hypertension should limit their sodium intake to 1-2 mmol/kg/day (equivalent to 1,500-2,400 mg/day for a 60-70 kg reference) 5

For individuals with both diabetes and hypertension, a sodium goal of less than 2,300 mg/day should be considered on an individual basis, recognizing the challenges of palatability, cost of low-sodium products, and achieving nutritional adequacy 3, 4, 6
Decreasing sodium intake consistently reduces blood pressure in both general and diabetic populations, with a strength of evidence considered robust 3, 6

The American Journal of Kidney Diseases suggests replacing processed and canned foods with fresh foods, reading nutrition labels, and using herbs, spices, and salt-free seasonings instead of salt to achieve recommended sodium limits 2, 5
Avoiding salt substitutes containing potassium chloride if hyperkalemia is present is also recommended 5