Sodium Chloride - Biological Functions

Biological Functions

For further information about sodium chloride in the diet, see Salt.

In humans, a high-salt intake has long been suspected to generally raise blood pressure. More recently, it was demonstrated to attenuate nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide (NO) contributes to vessel homeostasis by inhibiting vascular smooth muscle contraction and growth, platelet aggregation, and leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium.

  • Jordanian and Israeli salt evaporation ponds at the south end of the Dead Sea.

  • Mounds of salt, Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia.

  • Evaporation lagoons, Aigues-Mortes, France.

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