Salt Questions · Health & nutrition
What is the recommended daily intake of salt for adults?
Short answer
The World Health Organization recommends less than 5 grams of salt a day for adults, about one teaspoon, which is under 2,000 mg of sodium. U.S. guidelines set a limit of 2,300 mg of sodium; the American Heart Association says 1,500 mg is ideal for most adults; the UK advises no more than 6 g of salt.
Daily sodium: guidelines vs what people eat
The main guidelines
| World Health Organization | Less than 5 g salt (under 2,000 mg sodium) a day |
|---|---|
| United States (FDA / Dietary Guidelines) | Less than 2,300 mg sodium a day |
| American Heart Association | No more than 2,300 mg; ideally 1,500 mg for most adults |
| United Kingdom (NHS) | No more than 6 g salt (2,400 mg sodium) a day |
How much do people eat?
Far more. The AHA says Americans average about 3,400 mg of sodium a day, and WHO puts the global average at about 4,310 mg, more than double its recommendation.
Where it comes from
The FDA says more than 70% of the sodium Americans eat comes from packaged and restaurant foods, so reading labels matters more than the salt shaker.
Related on The Salt Almanac
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- What are the best low-sodium salt substitutes?
- Why do athletes need to consume more salt?
- Does sea salt have less sodium than table salt?
- What is the difference between sodium and salt?
Cite this page
For school projects and reports. Teachers often prefer the original sources too: see the list below.
The Salt Almanac. (2026, November 8). What is the recommended daily intake of salt for adults. https://saltalmanac.com/answers/what-is-the-recommended-daily-intake-of-salt-for-adults
“What is the recommended daily intake of salt for adults.” The Salt Almanac, 8 Nov. 2026, saltalmanac.com/answers/what-is-the-recommended-daily-intake-of-salt-for-adults. Accessed [today's date].
“What is the recommended daily intake of salt for adults.” The Salt Almanac. Last modified November 8, 2026. https://saltalmanac.com/answers/what-is-the-recommended-daily-intake-of-salt-for-adults.
Original sources
- World Health Organization. Sodium reduction (fact sheet). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sodium-reduction
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Sodium in your diet. https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-education-resources-materials/sodium-your-diet
- American Heart Association. How much sodium should I eat per day? https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sodium/how-much-sodium-should-i-eat-per-day
- NHS. Salt in your diet. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-types/salt-in-your-diet/