Most reviews on sports nutrition topics focus on macronutrients and usually omit or pay less attention to elements such as sodium. Sodium intake, both at high and low doses, is associated with health and performance issues in athletes. Moreover, theories imply that an electrolyte imbalance, specifically sodium, contributes to the development of muscle cramps (EAMC) and hyponatremia (EAH). 

Sodium makes an important element in people′s diets. A recent review focusing on sodium during endurance sports describes that the ideal amount of sodium intake in the majority of the population should be in the range of 1.5 g/day. However, endurance athletes should consume 300–600 mg/h. It also highlights the absence of documented scientific evidence on the relationship between sodium and muscle cramps; and states that sodium may be one but not the only factor contributing to this situation. For hyponatremia, the study explains that sodium intake can mitigate the drop in blood concentrations but cannot eliminate it. 

The study also emphasizes paying attention to the individual amount of fluids consumed first and then to the amount of sodium consumed.

Veniamakis E, Kaplanis G, Voulgaris P, Nikolaidis PT. Effects of Sodium Intake on Health and Performance in Endurance and Ultra-Endurance Sports. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Mar 19;19(6):3651. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19063651. PMID: 35329337; PMCID: PMC8955583.