Sodium is concerned with the physiology, pathophysiology, and clinical consequences of altered physiology involving the sodium ion.The first section focuses on the presence and handling of sodium in the normal state. In chapter one, Drs. Solomon and Galey deal with the fundamentals of transport and energy metabolism as they relate to sodium. This is followed by a chapter in which Drs. Gardenswartz and Schrier consider in detail the normal body economy of sodium, and especially the factors (particularly extracellular fluid volume) that regulate the renal handling of sodium and the responses of the various portions of the nephron to these influences.

Abstract: Current knowledge of the biological role of magnesium is synthesized. The presence of magnesium is traced to the evolution of the earth and the beginning of life. Magnesium's role in photosynthesis, cellular processes, physiological processes (body temperature control, hibernation), and geochemistry are discussed. Discussion of magnesium in humans includes information relating to: physiology; deficiencies (adults and children); human diseases (cardiovascular system); excesses; interactions with other cations; central nervous system; and nephrolithiasis (renal stores). Deficiencies in ruminants and experimental animals also are explored. (rkm).

Reducing the intake of sodium is an important public health goal for Americans. Since the 1970s, an array of public health interventions and national dietary guidelines has sought to reduce sodium intake. However, the U.S. population still consumes more sodium than is recommended, placing individuals at risk for diseases related to elevated blood pressure. Strategies to Reduce Sodium Intake in the United States evaluates and makes recommendations about strategies that could be implemented to reduce dietary sodium intake to levels recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The book reviews past and ongoing efforts to reduce the sodium content of the food supply and to motivate consumers to change behavior. Based on past lessons learned, the book makes recommendations for future initiatives. It is an excellent resource for federal and state public health officials, the processed food and food service industries, health care professionals, consumer advocacy groups, and academic researchers.

First multi-year cumulation covers six years: 1965-70.

As essential nutrients, sodium and potassium contribute to the fundamentals of physiology and pathology of human health and disease. In clinical settings, these are two important blood electrolytes, are frequently measured and influence care decisions. Yet, blood electrolyte concentrations are usually not influenced by dietary intake, as kidney and hormone systems carefully regulate blood values. Over the years, increasing evidence suggests that sodium and potassium intake patterns of children and adults influence long-term population health mostly through complex relationships among dietary intake, blood pressure and cardiovascular health. The public health importance of understanding these relationships, based upon the best available evidence and establishing recommendations to support the development of population clinical practice guidelines and medical care of patients is clear. This report reviews evidence on the relationship between sodium and potassium intakes and indicators of adequacy, toxicity, and chronic disease. It updates the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) using an expanded DRI model that includes consideration of chronic disease endpoints, and outlines research gaps to address the uncertainties identified in the process of deriving the reference values and evaluating public health implications.

Abstract: Eleven authoritative review articles written for nutrition scientists and clinicians address various general aspects of potassium (K) metabolism, the interrelationships between K and magnesium (Mg) as applied to the heart, and clinical aspects of how K and Mg affect heart activity. While clinically-oriented, the major thrust of the reviews is toward developing an understanding of intracellular events occurring in perturbed K metabolism and the association of Mg with K metabolism. General aspects include: the role of K in biological evolution; methods for K analysis; K metabolism; nutritional factors associated with K metabolism; and the dysfunctions of hypo- and hyperkalemia. Clinical aspects include: heart function relative to cellular K fluxes; an overview of glucose-insulin-K infusion in cases of myocardial infarction; K and Mg as related to digitalis toxicity, and extra- and intracellular K, Mg, diuretics, and arrhythmias. wz).