Kellogg's Nutrition - Get a Taste for the Healthy Life™

How Much Sodium Is Recommended?

Our bodies need small amounts of sodium for good health, but nearly all Americans consume more sodium than needed.

In some people, consuming too much sodium may cause blood pressure to rise. Reducing blood pressure by cutting down on salt reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, and kidney disease.1

The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend consuming less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day—that's the amount of sodium found in about 1 teaspoon of salt.

The Dietary Guidelines also recommend consuming a potassium-rich diet to lower blood pressure. Many fruits and vegetables are rich in potassium. The recommended intake for adolescents and adults is 4,700 mg of potassium per day.1

References:
1. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA), 2005.