Sodium Value Check for Canned Food

Introduction

Sodium is a mineral needed for normal body function, but an excessive intake of it can cause high blood pressure or hypertension. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that individuals consume less than 2300 mg of sodium per day.

A growing concern is the large sodium content especially in canned foods. Many foods are misleading in their sodium content and it is important that people know about the amounts of sodium they are ingesting.

To determine the sodium content of canned foods, the Horiba LAQUAtwin sodium ion (Na⁺) meter can be used. This is an easy and quick method used to consider the sodium content of canned products.

Method

1. The canned product must be liquefied (if solid) by blending.
2. 1 g of the sample can be taken and added to 4 g of water.
3. The mixture should be shaken for one minute. A pipette can be used to extract a small sample of the blended mixture.
4. This is placed on the sensor of the LAQUAtwin Na⁺ meter and the sodium content is measured after one minute.
5. To repeat sampling, wash the sensor with tap water and pat dry with a paper tissue.

Results and Benefits

The use of the HORIBA LAQUAtwin Na⁺ meter to measure the sodium content of canned food products will improve consumers’ knowledge of their sodium intake. This will thus help to combat the increasing issues of high blood pressure or hypertension.

The LAQUAtwin Na⁺ meter is small and compact; convenient to carry around the marketplace for easy on-site testing. Its easy-to-use interface is simple for anyone to use.