Saturday, 19 May 2012

Sodium

Symbol = Na, Atomic Number = 11, Atomic mass =  22.98977 amu.
It is a highly reactive alkali metal. It is the sixth most abundant element in the Earth's crust.
It is discovered by Humphry Davy (British chemist) in 1806.
A Normal blood sodium level is 135 - 145 milliEquivalents/liter (mEq/L), or in international units, 135 - 145 millimoles/liter (mmol/L).

It is need For Water balance, prevents Sunstroke, edible for Brain functioning, prevents Muscle Cramps, Anti ageing factor, eliminates excess Carbon dioxide, maintains Glucose absorption, Maintains acid-base balance, Regulation of fluids, Ion balancing and maintains healthy Heart.

Amounts per Day 
infants 0-6 months: 120 milligrams
infants 7-12 months: 170 milligrams
children 1-3 years old: 200-400 milligrams (UL* 1000mg)
children between 4 and 8: 300-600 milligrams (UL 1400mg)
children ages 9-13 : 400-800 milligrams (UL 2000mg)
children ages 14-18 : 460-920 milligrams (UL 2300mg)
Adults 19 years and older:  460-920   milligrams (UL 2300mg) 
Pregnant and breastfeeding females under 18 years: 
460-920   milligrams (UL 2300mg) 
Pregnant and breastfeeding females 19 years and older: 
460-920  milligrams(UL 2300mg)
Upper Limit
Sodium Deficiencies 
Hyponatremia (The normal concentration of sodium in the blood plasma is 136-145 mM. Hyponatremia occurs when sodium falls below 130 mM. Plasma sodium levels of 125 mM or less are dangerous and can result in seizures and coma)
Signs of Sodium deficiency are Gastrointestinal distress (decreased appetite, nausea and vomiting), Cognitive impairment (headache, lethargy, fatigue and confusion), Muscular problems (spasms or cramps) etc.

Sodium Toxicities
Hypernatremia (There are numerous causes of hypernatremia; these may include kidney disease, too little water intake, and loss of water due to diarrhea and/or vomiting)
Death has occurred when table salt (sodium chloride) was accidentally used to feed infants instead of sugar


Good Vegetable Sources

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