Excess sodium intake is a risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as cardiovascular diseases and hypertension. Therefore, many countries have set nutrient reference values for sodium, specifically for the prevention of NCDs, and intake is routinely monitored by nutrition surveys. In this review, we aimed to compare the global nutrient reference values and national intakes of sodium, along with the methods of intake assessment used. Data were obtained for Australia, Canada, Ireland, Japan, the UK, the US, and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), where information was accessible online in English or Japanese. We collected the following information regarding sodium intake: the term used for reference values to prevent NCDs; year when reference values were established or revised; reference values to prevent NCDs; target NCDs; designation of nutrition survey; method for estimating intake; and average intake. The reference values ranged from 2,000 mg (Australia and EFSA) to 2,953 mg (Japan). Sodium intake ranged from 2,431 mg (Australia) to 3,958 mg (Japan). Out of seven countries/institutions, five used dietary assessment, and two used sodium urinary excretion for estimating dietary sodium intake. Among the dietary assessment methods, the 24-h dietary recall was most frequently used. National sodium intake exceeded the reference values in all countries, and reduction of sodium intake remains a global challenge.
Keywords: dietary reference intakes; dietary reference values; non-communicable diseases; recommended dietary allowances; sodium intake.