Daily Sodium Target

AHA limit: 1500 mg ideal, 2300 mg max. Athletes lose 500-1500 mg/hr in sweat.

Inputs

Avg 600-800. Salty sweater: 1200+. Test with sweat patch ($).

Result

Daily target
3,100 mg
Base 2300 + sweat replacement 800 mg.
  • Profile base2300 mg
  • Sweat hours1
  • Sweat sodium800 mg/L
  • Sweat rate1 L/hr
  • Sweat sodium loss800 mg
  • Daily target3,100 mg
  • In salt grams7.9 g salt (40% Na)

Step-by-step

  1. Sweat loss = hr × mg/L × L/hr = 1 × 800 × 1 = 800 mg.
  2. Total = base + sweat = 3,100 mg.

How to use this calculator

  • Pick profile.
  • For athletes: enter sweat hours + sodium concentration + rate.

About this calculator

Sodium needs vary widely by activity. FDA limit: 2300 mg/day for healthy adults. AHA ideal: 1500 mg. Salt-sensitive: 1500 mg. Endurance athletes lose 500-1500+ mg per hour in sweat — under-replenishment causes hyponatremia (low blood sodium, dangerous in marathons). Salt = 40% sodium by mass. 1 g salt = 400 mg sodium. Sources: FDA, AHA, ACSM 2007 position stand.

Frequently asked

Blood sodium <135 mmol/L. Causes: drinking only water in long endurance events. Symptoms: nausea, confusion, seizures.

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