The following is a list of English-speaking population by country, including information on both native speakers and second-language speakers.
Sodium plays many important roles in the body. It maintains fluid balance and is a main nutrient used in nerve impulse transmission and muscle contraction. The normal range for blood sodium is between 135 and 145 mEq/L (3.10 mg/ml to 3.34 mg/ml). Higher levels of sodium are normally associated with hypertension. A sodium level of 150 mEq/L (3.45 mg/ml) or more is known as hypernatremia, a condition that is commonly caused by dehydration or eating too much salt. However it can also be caused by other conditions such as diabetes or hormonal imbalances.
Most Canadians consume far more sodium than is needed. The recommended amount per day is between 1500 mg (considered adequate intake) and 2300 mg (upper amount) for people 9 -50 years of age. For people over 50 years of age, an adequate intake drops to 1300 mg per day until 70 and then 1200 mg over 70 years of age.