Sodium
Sodium is a fundamental electrolyte, meaning it carries an electrical charge when dissolved in body fluids like blood. It plays a pivotal role in maintaining the body's fluid balance, which is essential for blood volume, blood pressure, and cellular function. Along with chloride and potassium, it's one of the key electrolytes involved in osmoregulation, the process that regulates water movement in and out of cells. Beyond fluid balance, sodium is critical for the proper functioning of nerves and muscles. It's involved in the generation of electrical signals (action potentials) that allow nerve cells to communicate and muscles to contract. This includes skeletal muscles, as well as the heart muscle, making its role vital for overall physiological processes. The body tightly regulates sodium levels. It's primarily absorbed in the small intestine, and excess sodium is typically excreted by the kidneys. While essential, both insufficient (hyponatremia) and excessive (hypernatremia) intake can lead to serious health issues, underscoring the importance of maintaining an appropriate balance.
Table salt (sodium chloride)Processed foods (canned goods, cured meats, snacks, fast food)CheeseSoy saucePickled foodsBread and baked goodsSome vegetables (e.g., celery, beets, spinach)
Cheapest Sodium Supplements
Find the most affordable sodium supplements to support your fitness goals without breaking the bank.
Best Sodium Supplements
Discover the best sodium supplements essential for maintaining electrolyte balance, supporting hydration, and optimizing your fitness performance and recovery.
Value Sodium supplements
Compare top-rated sodium supplements to support your fitness goals, focusing on value and quality.
RDA (Men)1500 mg
RDA (Women)1500 mg
RDI1500 mg
Minimum1500 mg
Maximum2000 mg
Upper Limit (UL)2300 mg
Toxicity Threshold3000 mg
Toxicity EffectHypertension
add_circle_outline Positive Interactions
Chloride
Sodium and Chloride (as sodium chloride) work synergistically as the primary components of extracellular fluid, vital for maintaining fluid balance and blood pressure.
Potassium
Sodium and Potassium function together as key electrolytes to maintain cellular fluid balance, nerve impulse transmission, and muscle contraction, often balancing each other's effects.
Magnesium
Magnesium, along with sodium and potassium, is a crucial electrolyte that contributes to nerve and muscle function, and its proper balance is often intertwined with sodium and potassium levels.
78 Value 
Vitamin C
Source Naturals
4.5
★★★★★
(13 ratings)
Sodium: 275 mg
This liquid Vitamin C supplement, in the form of sodium ascorbate, offers a high and easily adjustable dose for supporting various bodily functions, making it suitable for those sensitive to acidic Vitamin C or preferring a liquid option.
78 Best 
100% Mass Gainer Chocolate Fudge Brownie
MuscleTech
4.3
★★★★★
(5114 ratings)
Sodium: 750 mg
A high-calorie, high-carb, high-protein mass gainer with added performance ingredients, designed for significant weight and muscle gain goals.
75 Value 
Pure Buffered Sodium Ascorbate
NOW
4.9
★★★★★
(7519 ratings)
Sodium: 210 mg
A buffered Vitamin C powder providing 1.67g of Vitamin C per serving, which is gentler on the stomach but contains a significant amount of sodium.
82 Best 
Serious Mass Vanilla
Optimum Nutrition
4.5
★★★★★
(1190 ratings)
Sodium: 590 mg
This vanilla-flavored product is a calorie-dense powder, offering high carbohydrates, protein, essential vitamins, and key muscle support ingredients like creatine and glutamine, designed for those focused on gaining weight and muscle mass.
78 Best 
Pure Utah Sea Minerals
Trace Minerals Research
4.7
★★★★★
(83 ratings)
Sodium: 788 mg
This liquid supplement provides a broad spectrum of naturally occurring electrolytes like chloride and sodium, with magnesium, potassium, and sulfate, supporting general mineral balance and hydration.
78 Best 
Pure Utah Sea Minerals
Trace Minerals Research
4.4
★★★★★
(43 ratings)
Sodium: 800 mg
A liquid supplement providing a wide range of natural electrolytes like chloride, sodium, magnesium, potassium, sulfate, and boron, supporting general mineral balance and hydration.
82 Best 
Serious Mass Chocolate Peanut Butter
Optimum Nutrition
4.5
★★★★★
(43047 ratings)
Sodium: 690 mg
This chocolate peanut butter flavored product is a calorie-dense powder, offering high carbohydrates, protein, essential vitamins, and key muscle support ingredients like creatine and glutamine, designed for those focused on gaining weight and muscle mass.
88 Best 
Carnivor Mass Vanilla Caramel
MuscleMeds
4.8
★★★★★
(78 ratings)
Sodium: 580 mg
A high-calorie mass gainer delivering 720 calories, 50g protein, and 125g carbs per serving, designed to support muscle growth and energy, featuring 200mcg of Chromium and a very low fat content.
82 Best 
Carnivor Mass Chocolate Fudge
MuscleMeds
4.7
★★★★★
(133 ratings)
Sodium: 700 mg
This is a powerful mass gainer, delivering substantial calories, protein, and carbohydrates, plus creatine and amino acids, to support muscle growth and recovery for serious training goals.
92 Value 
Pure Buffered Sodium Ascorbate
NOW
4.9
★★★★★
(7546 ratings)
Sodium: 210 mg
This unflavored powder offers 1.67 grams of buffered Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate) per serving, making it gentle on the stomach and highly versatile for daily intake. It's suitable for those seeking a flexible, high-dose Vitamin C supplement.
95 Value 
Buffered C Powder 1000 mg
California Gold Nutrition
4.8
★★★★★
(20803 ratings)
Sodium: 130 mg
An extremely economical buffered Vitamin C powder providing a substantial 1000mg dose per serving for gentle and long-lasting wellness support.
75 Budget 
1000 mg Vitamin C Raspberry
Emergen-C
4.5
★★★★★
(5015 ratings)
Sodium: 65 mg
This effervescent drink mix combines a strong dose of Vitamin C with a full B-vitamin complex and essential electrolytes, aiming to support general well-being and energy through its comprehensive nutrient profile, though it is less cost-effective per serving than larger packs.
72 Budget 
Vitamins Strawberry Melon
Nuun
4.5
★★★★★
(539 ratings)
Sodium: 100 mg
A low-calorie, effervescent drink offering a balanced profile of essential vitamins and electrolytes for daily hydration and general wellness.
70 Best 
PureDefense Collagen
Pure Encapsulations
4.1
★★★★★
(18 ratings)
Sodium: 600 mg
A high-protein powder featuring an extensive blend of EpiCor, mushroom beta-glucans, and other botanicals for comprehensive wellness, but with very high sodium.
75 Value 
Chewable C 500 mg Tangy Orange Taste
Kirkland Signature
4.7
★★★★★
(37 ratings)
Sodium: 35 mg
Kirkland Signature's Chewable C provides an ultra-affordable 500 mg dose of Vitamin C in a tangy orange flavor, ideal for budget-conscious users seeking easy daily support.
78 Value 
Potassium Plus Iodine
NOW
4.8
★★★★★
(7836 ratings)
Sodium: 5 mg
This supplement combines elemental potassium and iodine in a convenient tablet form, aiming to support general metabolic function and electrolyte balance.
82 Best 
Serious Mass Strawberry
Optimum Nutrition
4.5
★★★★★
(43043 ratings)
Sodium: 570 mg
This strawberry-flavored product is a calorie-dense powder, offering high carbohydrates, protein, essential vitamins, and key muscle support ingredients like creatine and glutamine, designed for those focused on gaining weight and muscle mass.
57 Budget 
Macro Greens
MacroLife Naturals
4.4
★★★★★
(1903 ratings)
Sodium: 40 mg
Macro Greens is a comprehensive greens powder formulated to support a wide array of health goals, including general wellness, immunity, and energy. It provides essential vitamins and minerals, along with various proprietary blends of superfoods, antioxidants, adaptogens, fibers, and enzymes. However, the extensive use of proprietary blends makes it challenging to ascertain the precise dosages and efficacy of many beneficial ingredients.
15 Budget 
Immunity Blueberry Tangerine
Nuun
4.6
★★★★★
(794 ratings)
Sodium: 100 mg
This effervescent tablet offers immunity-supporting ingredients and electrolytes, but the stated extremely high levels of Vitamin A and D raise serious safety concerns, diminishing its overall practicality.
85 Budget 
Sport Watermelon
Nuun
4.7
★★★★★
(578 ratings)
Sodium: 300 mg
A caffeine-free, low-sugar effervescent electrolyte tablet with a strong mineral blend for effective hydration, ideal for active individuals.
88 Budget 
Sport +Caffeine Cherry Limeade
Nuun
4.5
★★★★★
(356 ratings)
Sodium: 300 mg
An effervescent tablet offering a strong electrolyte blend and 40mg of caffeine in a low-sugar, flavored drink, ideal for hydration and a mild energy boost.
72 Budget 
Vitamins Blueberry Pomegranate
Nuun
4.6
★★★★★
(282 ratings)
Sodium: 100 mg
A low-calorie, flavored effervescent drink providing a basic blend of daily vitamins and essential electrolytes for general hydration and wellness.
78 Value 
Sodium Chloride 1000 mg
Nutricost
4.9
★★★★★
(94 ratings)
Sodium: 390 mg
A straightforward sodium chloride tablet, providing a concentrated dose of essential electrolytes to support hydration and fluid balance, particularly beneficial during vigorous physical activity.
88 Best 
Carnivor Mass Chocolate Peanut Butter
MuscleMeds
4.5
★★★★★
(65 ratings)
Sodium: 600 mg
A calorie-dense mass gainer with 715 calories, 50g protein, and 125g carbs per serving, crafted to support muscle growth and provide sustained energy for rigorous training, along with 200mcg of Chromium.
85 Budget 
Sport Orange
Nuun
4.6
★★★★★
(2560 ratings)
Sodium: 300 mg
A caffeine-free, low-sugar effervescent electrolyte tablet providing a robust blend of key minerals for effective hydration during and after physical activity.
85 Value 
Buffered Gold C
California Gold Nutrition
4.8
★★★★★
(41606 ratings)
Sodium: 130 mg
An exceptionally economical, high-dose 1000mg buffered Sodium Ascorbate powder Vitamin C from California Gold Nutrition, ideal for sensitive stomachs.
91 Value 
Sodium Ascorbate
NutriBiotic Immunity
4.9
★★★★★
(84478 ratings)
Sodium: 120 mg
An ultra-economical 16oz powder offering 1100mg of fully buffered Sodium Ascorbate Vitamin C per serving, ideal for high-dose, stomach-friendly daily support.
92 Value 
Sodium Ascorbate
NutriBiotic Immunity
4.9
★★★★★
(85533 ratings)
Sodium: 120 mg
An ultra-economical bulk powder offering 1100mg of fully buffered Sodium Ascorbate Vitamin C per serving, perfect for high-dose, stomach-friendly daily support.
15 Budget 
Immunity Orange Citrus
Nuun
4.7
★★★★★
(1510 ratings)
Sodium: 100 mg
This effervescent tablet offers immunity-supporting ingredients and electrolytes, but the stated extremely high levels of Vitamin A and D raise serious safety concerns, diminishing its overall practicality.
85 Budget 
Sport Strawberry Lemonade
Nuun
4.7
★★★★★
(3431 ratings)
Sodium: 300 mg
A caffeine-free, low-sugar effervescent electrolyte tablet with a strong mineral blend for effective hydration, ideal for active individuals.
Average$39.12
Median$34.99
Average$1.36
Median$1.22
Average$1.54
Median$1.04
Reference amount: 100 mg
Sodium bicarbonate is an alkaline compound often used as a leavening agent in baking and as a common antacid to relieve heartburn and indigestion. In sports nutrition, it is recognized for its ability to buffer lactic acid accumulation during high-intensity exercise, potentially delaying fatigue and improving performance in activities like sprinting or weightlifting.
- Effective antacid for heartburn relief
- Can improve high-intensity exercise performance by buffering lactic acid
- Inexpensive and widely available
- Can cause gastrointestinal distress (bloating, diarrhea, stomach cramps) at performance-enhancing doses
- Contributes significantly to daily sodium intake
- Not suitable for all types of exercise (more beneficial for anaerobic)
Avg$23.46
Med$18.74
Avg$0.74
Med$0.62
Avg$0.39
Med$0.30
Price distribution
Sodium chloride is the primary form of sodium consumed in the diet and is vital for maintaining cellular osmotic pressure, blood volume, and electrolyte balance. It plays a critical role in nerve impulse generation and transmission, muscle contraction, and nutrient absorption. While essential for life, excessive intake is a known risk factor for high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues.
- Essential electrolyte for hydration and maintaining bodily functions
- Crucial for nerve signal transmission and muscle contraction
- Readily available and enhances food flavor
- Excessive intake is a major risk factor for high blood pressure (hypertension)
- Can lead to fluid retention (edema) and other cardiovascular issues with overuse
- Often overconsumed in processed foods
Avg$30.50
Med$28.19
Avg$1.11
Med$1.01
Avg$0.88
Med$0.93
Price distribution
Sodium ascorbate is a non-acidic, buffered form of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that is gentle on the stomach for individuals sensitive to the acidity of pure ascorbic acid. It provides all the essential antioxidant benefits of Vitamin C, supporting immune function, collagen synthesis, and acting as a cofactor in numerous enzymatic reactions vital for overall health. The sodium component also contributes a small amount to electrolyte balance.
- Excellent source of Vitamin C, an essential antioxidant
- Non-acidic and gentle on the stomach, reducing gastrointestinal upset
- Supports immune system health and collagen production
- Contains sodium, which may be a concern for those on very low-sodium diets
- May be slightly more expensive than pure ascorbic acid
Avg$24.49
Med$19.87
Avg$0.07
Med$0.06
Avg$0.05
Med$0.04
Price distribution
Sodium citrate serves multiple roles, including as a food additive for flavor enhancement and preservation, an anticoagulant in blood storage, and a pH regulator. Similar to sodium bicarbonate, it can act as an extracellular buffer in the body, potentially mitigating metabolic acidosis. This property may improve performance in certain types of exercise by buffering lactate and reducing acidity, often with fewer gastrointestinal side effects than sodium bicarbonate. It's also a common electrolyte in sports drinks.
- Can improve exercise performance by buffering metabolic acids
- Generally better tolerated with fewer GI side effects than sodium bicarbonate at effective doses
- Commonly used in sports drinks for electrolyte replacement
- High doses can still cause gastrointestinal discomfort or mild laxative effects
- Contributes to total sodium intake, which can be a concern for some individuals
- Performance benefits may vary between individuals and exercise types
Avg$28.61
Med$27.50
Avg$1.18
Med$0.99
Avg$0.12
Med$0.12
Price distribution
"Sodium phosphate" can refer to monobasic, dibasic, or tribasic sodium phosphate, or a mixture of these. They are widely used as emulsifiers, thickening agents, and pH adjusters in food products. In medicine, they are used as saline laxatives, bowel preparations before medical procedures, and to replenish phosphate and sodium levels in deficiency states. Athletes sometimes use phosphate loading (often a mix of mono- and dibasic forms) to theoretically enhance aerobic capacity and buffering, although clear benefits and safety profiles are not consistently established.
- Source of essential phosphate and sodium
- Used for electrolyte replenishment in medical settings
- Potential, though debated, role in athletic performance (phosphate loading)
- High doses can cause severe electrolyte disturbances, kidney issues, and gastrointestinal distress
- Risks associated with misuse or overdose are significant
- Performance benefits are inconsistent and may not outweigh risks
Avg$48.04
Med$49.99
Avg$1.86
Med$1.66
Avg$0.28
Med$0.33
Price distribution
Sodium carbonate is a strong alkali used extensively in glass manufacturing, water softening, and as a powerful cleaning agent. While it is approved as a food additive (E500(i)) for purposes such as leavening or pH regulation in certain processed foods (e.g., instant noodles), it is not typically consumed directly as a supplement or in pure form due to its strong alkalinity and potential for irritation. It contributes sodium ions upon dissolution.
- N/A for direct human consumption as a health supplement.
- Effective industrial cleaning agent.
- Strong alkaline, not suitable for direct consumption in significant amounts.
- Can cause irritation or digestive upset if ingested in concentrated form.
- Primarily an industrial chemical, not a dietary supplement.
Avg$6.58
Med$6.09
Avg$0.60
Med$0.60
Avg$0.10
Med$0.10
Price distribution
Monobasic sodium phosphate (also known as sodium dihydrogen phosphate) is an inorganic salt that can be found in various forms including supplements and food additives. It acts as an osmotic laxative at higher doses and as an electrolyte contributor at lower doses. It's often combined with other sodium phosphates (like dibasic sodium phosphate) in phosphate loading protocols, which some athletes use to potentially enhance oxygen delivery, buffering capacity, and improve endurance performance, though evidence for significant benefit is mixed.
- Source of essential phosphate and sodium
- Used as an effective osmotic laxative
- Can contribute to cellular energy metabolism (phosphate)
- High doses can cause electrolyte imbalance, kidney damage, and severe GI distress
- Primarily known for its laxative properties, which can be undesirable for performance
- Potential for adverse effects if not used carefully
Avg$18.78
Med$14.29
Avg$0.63
Med$0.56
Avg$0.39
Med$0.33
Price distribution
Himalayan pink sea salt is primarily composed of sodium chloride, similar to common table salt, but it also contains trace amounts of other minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which contribute to its distinctive pink color and perceived health benefits. It is widely used as a culinary salt and, due to its mineral composition, is sometimes consumed in sole solutions for hydration and electrolyte balance. While popular, the trace mineral content is generally very small, so its primary contribution is still sodium chloride.
- Natural source of sodium and various trace minerals
- Often perceived as less processed than conventional table salt
- Enhances food flavor and can be used for electrolyte replenishment
- Still predominantly sodium chloride; excessive intake carries the same risks as regular table salt regarding blood pressure
- The actual nutritional contribution of trace minerals is often minimal due to small quantities
- Can be more expensive than regular table salt
Avg$49.85
Med$49.97
Avg$0.91
Med$0.91
Avg$0.15
Med$0.15
Price distribution
"Sodium phosphate" can refer to monobasic, dibasic, or tribasic sodium phosphate, or a mixture of these. They are widely used as emulsifiers, thickening agents, and pH adjusters in food products. In medicine, they are used as saline laxatives, bowel preparations before medical procedures, and to replenish phosphate and sodium levels in deficiency states. Athletes sometimes use phosphate loading (often a mix of mono- and dibasic forms) to theoretically enhance aerobic capacity and buffering, although clear benefits and safety profiles are not consistently established.
- Source of essential phosphate and sodium
- Used for electrolyte replenishment in medical settings
- Potential, though debated, role in athletic performance (phosphate loading)
- High doses can cause severe electrolyte disturbances, kidney issues, and gastrointestinal distress
- Risks associated with misuse or overdose are significant
- Performance benefits are inconsistent and may not outweigh risks
Avg$28.27
Med$27.99
Avg$0.94
Med$0.93
Avg$0.02
Med$0.02
Price distribution
Himalayan pink sea salt is primarily composed of sodium chloride, similar to common table salt, but it also contains trace amounts of other minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which contribute to its distinctive pink color and perceived health benefits. It is widely used as a culinary salt and, due to its mineral composition, is sometimes consumed in sole solutions for hydration and electrolyte balance. While popular, the trace mineral content is generally very small, so its primary contribution is still sodium chloride.
- Natural source of sodium and various trace minerals
- Often perceived as less processed than conventional table salt
- Enhances food flavor and can be used for electrolyte replenishment
- Still predominantly sodium chloride; excessive intake carries the same risks as regular table salt regarding blood pressure
- The actual nutritional contribution of trace minerals is often minimal due to small quantities
- Can be more expensive than regular table salt
Avg$6.04
Med$6.04
Avg$0.60
Med$0.60
Avg$0.03
Med$0.03
Price distribution