BLOOD PRESSURE > Blood pressure BASICS >
The Scoop on Sodium
How Much Sodium Do I Need?
The sodium you need in a day can be figured using household teaspoons and tablespoons.
Minimum amount of sodium adults need daily:
A scant 1/4 teaspoon = 250–500 mg sodium
Recommended daily limit for people with hypertension, African-Americans, and adults older than 50:
Rounded 1/2 teaspoon = 1,500 mg sodium
Daily limit for other healthy adults younger than 50:
1 teaspoon = 2,300 mg sodium
The amount most adults consume:
1 tablespoon = 4,000–6,000 mg of sodium
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