Ontario Tech University Releases Sodium 101 App to Educate Canadians on Sodium Consumption

A team led by Dr. JoAnne Arcand, Associate Professor at Ontario Tech University's Faculty of Health Sciences, has launched Sodium 101, a web application that aims to educate Canadians about sodium consumption. Ontario Tech University stated that the tool became publicly available in March 2025.

The university reports that sodium intake remains a health concern in Canada, with many people consuming more than the recommended limit of less than 2,000 milligrams per day. According to Dr. Arcand, over 70 percent of sodium in Canadian diets comes from packaged and processed foods, while only a small amount is added at the table. Dr. Arcand also noted that the negative health effects of high sodium intake are often not immediately recognized, making education on the subject challenging.

Ontario Tech University indicated that Sodium 101 uses an interactive, step-by-step format to deliver information. The university further explained that the tool teaches users how to interpret food labels and how to identify common sources of sodium, including those found in restaurants. The app also includes an online Sodium Calculator, previously developed by Dr. Arcand, which the university says helps users assess their sodium intake and set reduction goals.

According to Ontario Tech University, the application is available for both the general public and health-care providers. The university also referenced the World Health Organization's global goal to reduce dietary sodium intake by 30 percent as part of efforts to prevent noncommunicable diseases.