Sodium, why is it important? Does it need to be supplemented?
One of the most important electrolytes in the human body is sodium. Its content in the human body is estimated to be as much as 92g! Its quantity in the body is regulated by the endocrine system, and the degree of its excretion from the body depends on the concentration of this element in the blood. When the concentration falls, the body retains sodium; when it rises, excretion increases, mainly through sweat. This element plays a number of functions in the human body. The most important of these is participation in:
- water-electrolyte metabolism (maintains the balance between the amount of water inside and outside the body's cells),
- acid-base balance,
- pressure regulation,
- nerve conduction,
- muscle contractility.
The source of sodium in the diet is mainly table salt added to food and found in processed foods - in salty snacks, processed fish and meat products, canned foods, and ready meals. This is why a balanced diet is so important. When working for long periods in humid and hot climates, , the demand for sodium is increased.
The sodium requirement depends on several factors, the most important being age, physical activity (including activity at work), and environmental conditions - temperature and humidity. Physical work is a very important factor that can influence fluctuations in a worker's blood sodium concentration. Despite individual differences in sodium requirements, an intake standard for this component has been calculated. The standard for sodium is set at the so-called 'Adequate Intake (AI)level', which for adults aged 19-50 years is 1500 mg/d.
So what are the consequences of sodium deficiency or excess in the human body? Both deficiency (hyponatremia) and excess (hypernatremia) are very dangerous to health. Hyponatraemia can manifest as headaches, nausea, decreased charge, impaired orientation and even convulsions and coma. Extremely dangerous is hyponatraemia combined with water deficiency or so-called 'water poisoning' - excess water drunk containing too few electrolytes. Hypernatremia can be fatal in its consequences.
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