As part of a series of scientific opinions on dietary references values (DRVs) for micronutrients for the European population, the EFSA Panel on Dietetics Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) reviewed the scientific evidence to set DRVs for sodium. The protocol presented in this document describes the methodology that was applied for: i) the assessment of possible relationships between sodium intake and health outcomes, including dose-response relationship(s), where applicable, and ii) the integration of different lines of evidence for setting DRVs. In particular, systematic reviews on the relationship between sodium intake and blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, bone mineral density, bone mineral content, and osteoporotic fractures were conducted. The protocol was implemented in 2018. Changes in protocol during its implementation are recorded in an amended version (Version 2). The outcome was used by the NDA Panel to complete its scientific opinion on DRVs for sodium. This protocol is published as an Annex to the scientific opinion (Annex A). Further information EFSA's work on DRVs: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/dietary-reference-values-and-dietary-guidelines

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