Practice Consideration
Hidden Salt and Sodium
Many ready-to-eat foods contain high-levels of sodium and can make a significant contribution to sodium consumption.
When reviewing diets keep in mind foods with hidden sodium; these may not taste salty but are indeed loaded with sodium.
In addition to sodium in foods, there are other significant sources of sodium. See the list of medications and herbal products that affect blood pressure; some by providing sodium and others by mechanisms.
Over-the-counter medications often can include sodium, especially "fizzy" types of medications, such as dissolvable anti-acids or vitamins. The amount of sodium in medication varies between countries. Fizzy types of vitamins in Australia contain up to 230 mg sodium per tablet, while those in the United States are often less than 100 mg per tablet. The best source of information is usually a pharmacist, pharmacy medication file, or company website for the product. Labels may list the sodium as an additional ingredient but don't provide the exact amount. Sometimes labels may indicate a percent of the of 2 400 mg recommended intake.
When reviewing diets keep in mind foods with hidden sodium; these may not taste salty but are indeed loaded with sodium.
| Breads, salted: bagels, scones pumpernickel Cake mixes: commercial Cheeses: slices, spread, feta, haloumi Chips Crackers Dips Dressings, salads |
Fish: anchovies, paste, pate, roe Flavored salts: bouillon cubes Gherkins Marinades Meats: canned, jerky, deli Noodles: dry and flavored Olives Pancake mix |
Pizza Prawns, cooked Rice dishes: commercial Sauces: pasta, Soup: dry mixes, canned Spreads, salted: butter and margarine Vegetables: canned |
In addition to sodium in foods, there are other significant sources of sodium. See the list of medications and herbal products that affect blood pressure; some by providing sodium and others by mechanisms.
Over-the-counter medications often can include sodium, especially "fizzy" types of medications, such as dissolvable anti-acids or vitamins. The amount of sodium in medication varies between countries. Fizzy types of vitamins in Australia contain up to 230 mg sodium per tablet, while those in the United States are often less than 100 mg per tablet. The best source of information is usually a pharmacist, pharmacy medication file, or company website for the product. Labels may list the sodium as an additional ingredient but don't provide the exact amount. Sometimes labels may indicate a percent of the of 2 400 mg recommended intake.
Updated September 15, 2017