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Writer's pictureSaneka Chakravarty, MD, FACC

Are salt substitutes good for you?

Updated: Aug 8, 2023

In a recent enlightening study conducted in China, a cohort of 20,995 individuals aged 60 and above, all of whom had a history of stroke and high blood pressure, yielded promising findings. Those who embraced salt substitutes experienced a noteworthy decrease in the occurrences of stroke, heart attacks, and mortality when juxtaposed with their counterparts who adhered to traditional table salt.

Curious about these salt substitutes? Traditional table salt, sodium chloride, has a remarkable counterpart in the form of these substitutes, which marry sodium chloride with potassium chloride. Within the context of this study, the composition of the substitute consisted of 75% sodium chloride and 25% potassium chloride.

As we traverse to the United States, a selection of the closest salt substitutes, boasting a sodium chloride content of 66%, are readily accessible. These alternatives can be discovered at the following links:

LoSalt Iodized Reduced Sodium Salt Alternative at Walmart

Salt Sense Iodized 3-pack on Amazon

But what about safety, you ask? The primary concern centers around the potential elevation of potassium levels. However, drawing insights from the comprehensive study encompassing nearly 21,000 participants, there emerged no significant adverse reactions to fret over.

While navigating the realm of salt substitutes, it's imperative to exercise caution, especially if you grapple with kidney disease—a condition that encompasses chronic kidney disease or diminished kidney function. In such instances, I'd wholeheartedly recommend a prudent approach. Stay attuned to your well-being by scheduling periodic blood work and consulting your trusted physician, thereby ensuring a harmonious journey towards healthier choices.

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