Electrolyte content of salt-replacement seasonings.
As Americans attempt to reduce sodium consumption, demand for alternatives to ordinary table salt is increasing. Some of the products now marketed as replacements have substantial levels of sodium chloride. They may, however, also provide potentially beneficial electrolytes, such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium. This report reviews the role of electrolytes in blood pressure regulation and reports levels of sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, and calcium in 13 seasonings available commercially as alternatives to table salt. Samples of seasonings were purchased from local supermarkets and health food stores and analyzed for electrolyte content using methods approved by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Sodium content ranged from 2 mg to 2,180 mg/tsp and sodium:potassium ratio from 0.07 to 2,460. Calcium and magnesium levels in most seasonings were modest, with the exception of kelp-based seasonings, which provided approximately 50 mg calcium and 35 mg magnesium per teaspoon.
Ahern
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Department of Human Nutrition and Foods, University of Maine 04469.
Kaley
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D002118:Calcium / Q000032:analysis; D002712:Chlorides / Q000032:analysis; D003212:Condiments / Q000032:analysis*; D004039:Diet, Sodium-Restricted; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D008274:Magnesium / Q000032:analysis; D011188:Potassium / Q000032:analysis; D012964:Sodium / Q000032:analysis
D002712:Chlorides; D004573:Electrolytes; D012964:Sodium; D008274:Magnesium; D011188:Potassium; D002118:Calcium