Sodium
Description
Sodium is a fundamental electrolyte, meaning it carries an electrical charge when dissolved in body fluids like blood. It plays a pivotal role in maintaining the body's fluid balance, which is essential for blood volume, blood pressure, and cellular function. Along with chloride and potassium, it's one of the key electrolytes involved in osmoregulation, the process that regulates water movement in and out of cells. Beyond fluid balance, sodium is critical for the proper functioning of nerves and muscles. It's involved in the generation of electrical signals (action potentials) that allow nerve cells to communicate and muscles to contract. This includes skeletal muscles, as well as the heart muscle, making its role vital for overall physiological processes. The body tightly regulates sodium levels. It's primarily absorbed in the small intestine, and excess sodium is typically excreted by the kidneys. While essential, both insufficient (hyponatremia) and excessive (hypernatremia) intake can lead to serious health issues, underscoring the importance of maintaining an appropriate balance.
Sources
Table salt (sodium chloride)Processed foods (canned goods, cured meats, snacks, fast food)CheeseSoy saucePickled foodsBread and baked goodsSome vegetables (e.g., celery, beets, spinach)
Cheapest Sodium Supplements
Best Sodium Supplements
Value Sodium supplements
Timing & Intake
AnytimeWith foodTake with Water, especially during rehydration or electrolyte supplementation.
Often consumed as part of meals and can be especially important around exercise for electrolyte balance.
Daily Intake
RDA (Men)1500 mg
RDA (Women)1500 mg
RDI1500 mg
Optimal Dosage
Minimum1500 mg
Maximum2000 mg
Safety & Toxicity
Upper Limit (UL)2300 mg
Toxicity Threshold3000 mg
Toxicity EffectHypertension
Interactions
Positive Interactions
Chloride
Sodium and Chloride (as sodium chloride) work synergistically as the primary components of extracellular fluid, vital for maintaining fluid balance and blood pressure.
Potassium
Sodium and Potassium function together as key electrolytes to maintain cellular fluid balance, nerve impulse transmission, and muscle contraction, often balancing each other's effects.
Magnesium
Magnesium, along with sodium and potassium, is a crucial electrolyte that contributes to nerve and muscle function, and its proper balance is often intertwined with sodium and potassium levels.
Recommended products
Budget 
Vitamin C
Source Naturals
Sodium: 275 mg
This liquid Vitamin C supplement, in the form of sodium ascorbate, offers a high and easily adjustable dose for supporting various bodily functions, making it suitable for those sensitive to acidic Vitamin C or preferring a liquid option.
Budget 
Pure Buffered Sodium Ascorbate
NOW
Sodium: 210 mg
A buffered Vitamin C powder providing 1.67g of Vitamin C per serving, which is gentler on the stomach but contains a significant amount of sodium.
Best 
Pure Utah Sea Minerals
Trace Minerals Research
Sodium: 788 mg
This liquid supplement provides a broad spectrum of naturally occurring electrolytes like chloride and sodium, with magnesium, potassium, and sulfate, supporting general mineral balance and hydration.
Best 
Pure Utah Sea Minerals
Trace Minerals Research
Sodium: 800 mg
A liquid supplement providing a wide range of natural electrolytes like chloride, sodium, magnesium, potassium, sulfate, and boron, supporting general mineral balance and hydration.
Budget 
Pure Buffered Sodium Ascorbate
NOW
Sodium: 210 mg
This unflavored powder offers 1.67 grams of buffered Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate) per serving, making it gentle on the stomach and highly versatile for daily intake. It's suitable for those seeking a flexible, high-dose Vitamin C supplement.
Budget 
Buffered C Powder 1000 mg
California Gold Nutrition
Sodium: 130 mg
An extremely economical buffered Vitamin C powder providing a substantial 1000mg dose per serving for gentle and long-lasting wellness support.
Value 
NOXygen Unflavored
Purus Labs
Sodium: 150 mg
An unflavored pump-focused supplement with HydroMax Glycerine, intended to support workout performance and hydration, with moderate sodium.
Value 
Vitamins Strawberry Melon
Nuun
Sodium: 100 mg
A low-calorie, effervescent drink offering a balanced profile of essential vitamins and electrolytes for daily hydration and general wellness.
Value 
TMSport 40000 Volts! Electrolyte Concentrate
Trace Minerals
Sodium: 105 mg
A comprehensive liquid electrolyte blend providing essential minerals for hydration, muscle function, and energy, especially beneficial for active individuals.
Best 
BHB Berry Lemonade
Natures Plus KetoLiving
Sodium: 1000 mg
This BHB supplement provides exogenous ketones and electrolytes, offering a carb-free energy source primarily for those on ketogenic diets or seeking metabolic support.
Budget 
Chewable C 500 mg Tangy Orange Taste
Kirkland Signature
Sodium: 35 mg
Kirkland Signature's Chewable C provides an ultra-affordable 500 mg dose of Vitamin C in a tangy orange flavor, ideal for budget-conscious users seeking easy daily support.
Budget 
Super Chewable Acerola Plus Natural Berry Flavor
American Health
Sodium: 30 mg
This chewable provides 1000mg of Vitamin C from two forms, plus a rich blend of bioflavonoids, offering comprehensive daily support in a large, cost-effective package.
Best 
Keto BHB Orange-Mango
KetoLogic
Sodium: 510 mg
This product provides exogenous ketones (goBHB) and a substantial electrolyte blend, supporting energy and mineral balance for those on a ketogenic diet.
Best 
Keto Energy BHB + Caffeine Raspberry Lemonade
KetoLogic
Sodium: 510 mg
This supplement offers a combination of exogenous ketones, caffeine, and electrolytes, supporting energy, focus, and hydration for individuals pursuing a ketogenic lifestyle.
Best 
Keto BHB Patriot-Pop
KetoLogic
Sodium: 510 mg
This product offers exogenous ketones (goBHB) and a substantial electrolyte complex, effectively supporting energy and mineral balance for those following a ketogenic diet.
Value 
Alkaline Balance
Source Naturals
Sodium: 224 mg
<p>This product provides a blend of essential minerals, green superfoods, and herbal extracts, crafted to support general wellness and mineral balance in the body.</p>
Budget 
Sodium Chloride 1000 mg
Nutricost
Sodium: 390 mg
A straightforward sodium chloride tablet, providing a concentrated dose of essential electrolytes to support hydration and fluid balance, particularly beneficial during vigorous physical activity.
Best 
Godzilla Pre-Workout Blackberry Lemonade
Ryse
Sodium: 610 mg
Ryse Godzilla Pre-Workout is a high-stimulant, comprehensive formula designed to support intense energy, muscle performance, and mental focus for advanced users during strenuous workouts.
Best 
SaltStick Electrolyte Caps
SaltStick
Sodium: 215 mg
Highly effective electrolyte capsules providing a balanced blend of key minerals and Vitamin D3 for precise, on-the-go replenishment during intense physical activity.
Budget 
Sodium Ascorbate
NutriBiotic Immunity
Sodium: 120 mg
An ultra-economical 16oz powder offering 1100mg of fully buffered Sodium Ascorbate Vitamin C per serving, ideal for high-dose, stomach-friendly daily support.
Budget 
Sodium Ascorbate
NutriBiotic Immunity
Sodium: 120 mg
An ultra-economical bulk powder offering 1100mg of fully buffered Sodium Ascorbate Vitamin C per serving, perfect for high-dose, stomach-friendly daily support.
Budget 
Sodium Ascorbate
NutriBiotic Immunity
Sodium: 120 mg
An ultra-economical 8oz powder offering 1100mg of fully buffered Sodium Ascorbate Vitamin C per serving, ideal for high-dose, stomach-friendly daily support.
Best 
Hydration Multiplier Lemon Lime
Liquid I.V.
Sodium: 500 mg
This product provides electrolytes and B vitamins for hydration and energy support, but its unusually high iron content (370mg per serving) makes it a very specific and potentially unsuitable choice for everyday use by most people.
Value 
EnergyFizz Strawberry Flavor
Arbonne
Sodium: 280 mg
Arbonne EnergyFizz offers a convenient, low-calorie fizzy drink with B vitamins, natural caffeine, and electrolytes to support energy levels and metabolic function.
Value 
Hydrator Lemon Lime Flavored
Vega Sport
Sodium: 240 mg
A plant-based electrolyte mix offering essential minerals and vitamin C for effective hydration and replenishment during physical activity, with a low-calorie and low-sugar profile.
Value 
Ultima Replenisher Grape
Ultima
Sodium: 55 mg
A large, sugar-free electrolyte product with a comprehensive mineral blend, offering excellent value for daily hydration and fitness.
Best 
Electrolyte Supreme Lemon-Lime
Jigsaw Health
Sodium: 380 mg
This Lemon-Lime electrolyte supplement in liquid form features a higher sodium dose along with a comprehensive mix of essential minerals and B vitamins in well-utilized forms, supporting enhanced hydration, energy, and general wellness.
Product stats
Price per product
Average$39.03
Median$34.97
Price per serving
Average$1.35
Median$1.22
Price per 100 mg
Average$1.53
Median$1.04
Price distribution
Price per serving distribution
Price per 100 mg
Reference amount: 100 mg
Forms
Paired ingredients
Ingredient forms
Sodium Bicarbonate (49) 75
Sodium bicarbonate is an alkaline compound often used as a leavening agent in baking and as a common antacid to relieve heartburn and indigestion. In sports nutrition, it is recognized for its ability to buffer lactic acid accumulation during high-intensity exercise, potentially delaying fatigue and improving performance in activities like sprinting or weightlifting.
Pros
- Effective antacid for heartburn relief
- Can improve high-intensity exercise performance by buffering lactic acid
- Inexpensive and widely available
Cons
- Can cause gastrointestinal distress (bloating, diarrhea, stomach cramps) at performance-enhancing doses
- Contributes significantly to daily sodium intake
- Not suitable for all types of exercise (more beneficial for anaerobic)
Per product
Avg$23.46
Med$18.74
Per serving
Avg$0.74
Med$0.62
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.39
Med$0.30
Price distribution
Sodium Chloride (38) 80
Sodium chloride is the primary form of sodium consumed in the diet and is vital for maintaining cellular osmotic pressure, blood volume, and electrolyte balance. It plays a critical role in nerve impulse generation and transmission, muscle contraction, and nutrient absorption. While essential for life, excessive intake is a known risk factor for high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues.
Pros
- Essential electrolyte for hydration and maintaining bodily functions
- Crucial for nerve signal transmission and muscle contraction
- Readily available and enhances food flavor
Cons
- Excessive intake is a major risk factor for high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Can lead to fluid retention (edema) and other cardiovascular issues with overuse
- Often overconsumed in processed foods
Per product
Avg$30.50
Med$28.19
Per serving
Avg$1.11
Med$1.01
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.88
Med$0.93
Price distribution
Sodium Ascorbate (25) 85
Sodium ascorbate is a non-acidic, buffered form of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that is gentle on the stomach for individuals sensitive to the acidity of pure ascorbic acid. It provides all the essential antioxidant benefits of Vitamin C, supporting immune function, collagen synthesis, and acting as a cofactor in numerous enzymatic reactions vital for overall health. The sodium component also contributes a small amount to electrolyte balance.
Pros
- Excellent source of Vitamin C, an essential antioxidant
- Non-acidic and gentle on the stomach, reducing gastrointestinal upset
- Supports immune system health and collagen production
Cons
- Contains sodium, which may be a concern for those on very low-sodium diets
- May be slightly more expensive than pure ascorbic acid
Per product
Avg$24.49
Med$19.87
Per serving
Avg$0.07
Med$0.06
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.05
Med$0.04
Price distribution
Sodium Citrate (20) 70
Sodium citrate serves multiple roles, including as a food additive for flavor enhancement and preservation, an anticoagulant in blood storage, and a pH regulator. Similar to sodium bicarbonate, it can act as an extracellular buffer in the body, potentially mitigating metabolic acidosis. This property may improve performance in certain types of exercise by buffering lactate and reducing acidity, often with fewer gastrointestinal side effects than sodium bicarbonate. It's also a common electrolyte in sports drinks.
Pros
- Can improve exercise performance by buffering metabolic acids
- Generally better tolerated with fewer GI side effects than sodium bicarbonate at effective doses
- Commonly used in sports drinks for electrolyte replacement
Cons
- High doses can still cause gastrointestinal discomfort or mild laxative effects
- Contributes to total sodium intake, which can be a concern for some individuals
- Performance benefits may vary between individuals and exercise types
Per product
Avg$28.61
Med$27.50
Per serving
Avg$1.18
Med$0.99
Per 10 mg
Avg$0.12
Med$0.12
Price distribution
Sodium Phosphate (19) 60
"Sodium phosphate" can refer to monobasic, dibasic, or tribasic sodium phosphate, or a mixture of these. They are widely used as emulsifiers, thickening agents, and pH adjusters in food products. In medicine, they are used as saline laxatives, bowel preparations before medical procedures, and to replenish phosphate and sodium levels in deficiency states. Athletes sometimes use phosphate loading (often a mix of mono- and dibasic forms) to theoretically enhance aerobic capacity and buffering, although clear benefits and safety profiles are not consistently established.
Pros
- Source of essential phosphate and sodium
- Used for electrolyte replenishment in medical settings
- Potential, though debated, role in athletic performance (phosphate loading)
Cons
- High doses can cause severe electrolyte disturbances, kidney issues, and gastrointestinal distress
- Risks associated with misuse or overdose are significant
- Performance benefits are inconsistent and may not outweigh risks
Per product
Avg$48.04
Med$49.99
Per serving
Avg$1.86
Med$1.66
Per 10 mg
Avg$0.28
Med$0.33
Price distribution
Sodium Carbonate (12) 40
Sodium carbonate is a strong alkali used extensively in glass manufacturing, water softening, and as a powerful cleaning agent. While it is approved as a food additive (E500(i)) for purposes such as leavening or pH regulation in certain processed foods (e.g., instant noodles), it is not typically consumed directly as a supplement or in pure form due to its strong alkalinity and potential for irritation. It contributes sodium ions upon dissolution.
Pros
- N/A for direct human consumption as a health supplement.
- Effective industrial cleaning agent.
Cons
- Strong alkaline, not suitable for direct consumption in significant amounts.
- Can cause irritation or digestive upset if ingested in concentrated form.
- Primarily an industrial chemical, not a dietary supplement.
Per product
Avg$6.58
Med$6.09
Per serving
Avg$0.60
Med$0.60
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.10
Med$0.10
Price distribution
Monobasic Sodium Phosphate (11) 65
Monobasic sodium phosphate (also known as sodium dihydrogen phosphate) is an inorganic salt that can be found in various forms including supplements and food additives. It acts as an osmotic laxative at higher doses and as an electrolyte contributor at lower doses. It's often combined with other sodium phosphates (like dibasic sodium phosphate) in phosphate loading protocols, which some athletes use to potentially enhance oxygen delivery, buffering capacity, and improve endurance performance, though evidence for significant benefit is mixed.
Pros
- Source of essential phosphate and sodium
- Used as an effective osmotic laxative
- Can contribute to cellular energy metabolism (phosphate)
Cons
- High doses can cause electrolyte imbalance, kidney damage, and severe GI distress
- Primarily known for its laxative properties, which can be undesirable for performance
- Potential for adverse effects if not used carefully
Per product
Avg$18.78
Med$14.29
Per serving
Avg$0.63
Med$0.56
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.39
Med$0.33
Price distribution
Sea Salt (8) 85
Himalayan pink sea salt is primarily composed of sodium chloride, similar to common table salt, but it also contains trace amounts of other minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which contribute to its distinctive pink color and perceived health benefits. It is widely used as a culinary salt and, due to its mineral composition, is sometimes consumed in sole solutions for hydration and electrolyte balance. While popular, the trace mineral content is generally very small, so its primary contribution is still sodium chloride.
Pros
- Natural source of sodium and various trace minerals
- Often perceived as less processed than conventional table salt
- Enhances food flavor and can be used for electrolyte replenishment
Cons
- Still predominantly sodium chloride; excessive intake carries the same risks as regular table salt regarding blood pressure
- The actual nutritional contribution of trace minerals is often minimal due to small quantities
- Can be more expensive than regular table salt
Per product
Avg$49.85
Med$49.97
Per serving
Avg$0.91
Med$0.91
Per 100 mg
Avg$0.15
Med$0.15
Price distribution
Disodium Phosphate (5) 60
"Sodium phosphate" can refer to monobasic, dibasic, or tribasic sodium phosphate, or a mixture of these. They are widely used as emulsifiers, thickening agents, and pH adjusters in food products. In medicine, they are used as saline laxatives, bowel preparations before medical procedures, and to replenish phosphate and sodium levels in deficiency states. Athletes sometimes use phosphate loading (often a mix of mono- and dibasic forms) to theoretically enhance aerobic capacity and buffering, although clear benefits and safety profiles are not consistently established.
Pros
- Source of essential phosphate and sodium
- Used for electrolyte replenishment in medical settings
- Potential, though debated, role in athletic performance (phosphate loading)
Cons
- High doses can cause severe electrolyte disturbances, kidney issues, and gastrointestinal distress
- Risks associated with misuse or overdose are significant
- Performance benefits are inconsistent and may not outweigh risks
Per product
Avg$28.27
Med$27.99
Per serving
Avg$0.94
Med$0.93
Per 10 mg
Avg$0.02
Med$0.02
Price distribution
Himalayan Pink Sea Salt (5) 85
Himalayan pink sea salt is primarily composed of sodium chloride, similar to common table salt, but it also contains trace amounts of other minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which contribute to its distinctive pink color and perceived health benefits. It is widely used as a culinary salt and, due to its mineral composition, is sometimes consumed in sole solutions for hydration and electrolyte balance. While popular, the trace mineral content is generally very small, so its primary contribution is still sodium chloride.
Pros
- Natural source of sodium and various trace minerals
- Often perceived as less processed than conventional table salt
- Enhances food flavor and can be used for electrolyte replenishment
Cons
- Still predominantly sodium chloride; excessive intake carries the same risks as regular table salt regarding blood pressure
- The actual nutritional contribution of trace minerals is often minimal due to small quantities
- Can be more expensive than regular table salt
Per product
Avg$6.04
Med$6.04
Per serving
Avg$0.60
Med$0.60
Per 10 mg
Avg$0.03
Med$0.03
Price distribution