Sodium Na

Atomic Number: 11
Atomic Weight: 22.99

Human Physiology:

• Important to circulatory system
• Regulates blood pressure, volume of blood, clotting
• Helps regulate acid/base balance
• Helps carbon dioxide excretion

Prevalence:

• 6th most abundant element in earths' crust

Sources:

• Salt
• Salt water fish

Deficiency:

• Rare, generally only during bouts of vomiting and diarrhea

Excess:

• Increased blood pressure
• Hyperthyroidism
• Chronic renal failure
• Liver disease