Sodium is a mineral; it's chemical symbol is Na. The main dietary source of sodium is common table salt (sodium chloride), which is 40% sodium and 60chloride. Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, milk and cheese all contribute sodium.

Sodium is primarily used in its metallic form (Sodium is considered a metal according to its chemical properties) in the production of chemical esters and in the manufacturing of various other organic compounds. The Sodium metal is used in the alloy of tin, nickel and copper for its structural characteristics.