How to Find Hidden Salt (Sodium)
Topic Overview
Salt (sodium) can be found in many substances that you might not
suspect. Some nonprescription medicines and many canned and other processed
foods contain sodium.
Check food labels. Sodium can have many different names. Be
careful about using products that have these ingredients:
- Monosodium glutamate, or MSG (often added to
Chinese food)
- Sodium citrate
- Sodium
sulfite
- Sodium caseinate
- Sodium
benzoate
- Sodium hydroxide
- Disodium phosphate
Check your medicines. Sodium can be an ingredient in
medicines.
- Prescription medicines. Talk with your doctor about
whether the medicines you take contain salt.
- Nonprescription medicines. Many medicines that you
can buy without a prescription contain sodium. Read the labels. If you are not
sure whether a medicine contains sodium, talk with a pharmacist. Be sure to
check with your doctor before taking any new nonprescription
medicine.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
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| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Rhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator |
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| Last Revised | July 30, 2010 |
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Last Revised:
July 30, 2010