Salt, the Elixir of Life

An adult's body naturally contains around 150 to 300 grams of salt, depending on weight and size. Table salt (chemically: sodium chloride NaCl) is an essential mineral responsible for crucial bodily functions: it regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. Therefore, too little salt can impair important functions.

Osmosis, the basis for cell metabolism, is solely controlled by the salt concentration in our cells: Every smallest activity of our body is thus only possible through the presence of salt.

For Everyone, the Right Dose

How much salt does the body need? The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends adults to consume a maximum of 5 grams of salt per day to support all essential functions in the body. This is roughly equivalent to one teaspoon of salt. Children require less accordingly.

Three-quarters of the daily salt requirement are obtained from a balanced diet with food. One-quarter comes from table salt used for cooking and seasoning.

During times of increased energy demand, such as during sports, it is important to ensure an adequate intake of salt and to compensate for salt loss. The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment recommends that adults should not consume less than the minimum amount of 1.4 grams per day.