Avoid Salt guide
Sources and editorial standards
Avoid Salt uses authoritative public-health and regulatory sources for factual health and nutrition statements. Calculator arithmetic is kept transparent so users can see what is being estimated.
Primary sources
Our launch references include the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization and American Heart Association. Source links appear below relevant pages and tools.
How we handle conflicting reference values
Different organizations sometimes publish different population-level reference values. We identify the organization and value rather than merging them into one supposedly universal target.
Verification
Important claims should have a recorded source, URL, supported claim and verification date. Changing guidance should be reviewed periodically rather than receiving artificial “updated” dates.
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration
The Daily Value for sodium on U.S. Nutrition Facts labels is 2,300 mg. FDA guidance describes 5% Daily Value or less per serving as low and 20% or more as high.
Verified 2026-08-10 - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The body needs a small amount of sodium; excess sodium can raise blood pressure; most U.S. sodium intake comes from packaged and restaurant foods; federal guidance recommends less than 2,300 mg daily for teens and adults.
Verified 2026-08-10 - World Health Organization
WHO recommends adults consume less than 2,000 mg sodium per day, equivalent to less than 5 g salt per day.
Verified 2026-08-10 - American Heart Association
The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 mg sodium per day and an optimal goal of no more than 1,500 mg for most adults.
Verified 2026-08-10