The most important functions of the mineral, sodium, are regulating water balance, acid-base balance, and osmotic pressure in cells. Moreover, sodium is needed to support a series of enzymes. It is mainly involved in forwarding electrical impulses in nerves and muscle cells, as well as contracting muscles (including the heart).

Sodium, taken in as common salt (sodium chloride), has been connected with causing rising blood pressure. However, it has been shown that this only applies to people with a sensitivity to salt (roughly 25% of the population). The maximum acceptable amount of common salt is, therefore, different for everybody.

Fresh crop products such as vegetables, fruit, and cereals are low in sodium.