How much sodium does the typical American diet contain daily?

The typical American diet contains approximately 2 to 5 grams of sodium daily. This range reflects the common consumption patterns in the United States, where sodium is prevalent in processed foods, restaurant meals, and packaged snacks. The American Heart Association emphasizes that many people exceed the recommended daily intake of sodium, which is about 2,300 milligrams (2.3 grams) for healthy adults, as part of a standard dietary pattern that often includes high amounts of salt for flavoring and preservation.

Understanding this context is important, as it highlights the challenges of managing sodium intake, especially given that many individuals are unaware of their actual sodium consumption levels. This has implications for health, as excessive sodium intake is linked to high blood pressure and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.