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Numerous studies have shown that the level of sodium intake was significantly and positively associated with blood pressure, cardiovascular mortality and even all causes mortality. However the health effects of low sodium intake remain controversial. Two recent studies add new data on this matter. The relationship between high levels of sodium intake estimated by urinary sodium excretion and blood pressure is variable. The slope of association was steeper with higher sodium intake, for persons with hypertension, and with increased age. High sodium excretion was associated with an increased risk of death and major cardiovascular events. However a sodium excretion below 3 g/day was also associated with an increased risk. A sodium intake between 3 and -6 g/day was associated with a lower risk of death and cardiovascular events. Higher potassium excretion was associated with a reduced risk. In a modeling study there is a strong linear relationship between sodium intake and cardiovascular death. About 1.65 million annual deaths from cardiovascular causes were attributed to a sodium intake above a reference level of 2 g/day. In clinical practice the reduction in the consumption of transformed food -generally rich in sodium- and the promotion of the consumption of vegetables and fruit rich in potassium may significantly decrease cardiovascular and all causes deaths.