What should the recommended sodium intake be for a healthy diet?

The recommended sodium intake for a healthy diet is considered to be less than 2400mg per day. This guideline is supported by various health organizations, including the American Heart Association and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which emphasize the need to limit sodium to reduce the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

A level of less than 2400mg/day is designed to address common dietary habits that often exceed this amount. Many processed and restaurant foods contain high levels of sodium, so aiming for this limit can help individuals maintain a healthier blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health.

While lower thresholds, such as less than 1500mg per day, may be beneficial for certain populations—especially those with hypertension or existing heart disease—these recommendations apply to the general population, particularly in regards to promoting heart health through dietary modifications. A no limit recommendation fails to consider the public health implications of excessive sodium intake, particularly its established correlation with increased blood pressure and related health risks. Thus, establishing a guideline of less than 2400mg aligns with current best practices for dietary sodium intake.