Little more than a teaspoon of sodium a day - that's the recommended daily dosage of sodium, according to the American Heart Association and the National Institute for Health.
But in spite of the guideline, most Americans gulp at least twice that amount every day, said Janet Lepke, a spokeswoman for the American Heart Association (or AHA) and a nutrition consultant.Too much sodium can lead to hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
Cardia, a salt alternative, debuted on the market in January, joining a two-decades-old market of salt alternatives and salt substitutes. Although AHA's Heart Check program endorses some heart-healthy products, it is not standing behind any salt alternative or substitute, Lepke said.
Lepke; Dr. Daniel W. Jones, an associate professor of medicine and director of the Division of Hypertension at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Miss.; and makers of Cardia and other similar products provided the following information.
What are salt alternatives or salt substitutes?
As a general rule, salt alternatives contain less sodium by volume than table salt. They also contain added amounts of magnesium and potassium, two minerals for managing blood pressure. Salt substitutes, by comparison, include various spices and virtually no sodium.
Are there any side effects to using salt alternatives and/or substitutes?
They can taste bitter and metallic, but Cardia makers claim their product tastes like table salt.
Where can I find salt alternatives and substitutes? How much do they cost?
Cardia is available in pharmacies without a prescription; it costs about $4.50 for 50 small packets, each containing about one-eighth teaspoon of the product. NoSalt, a salt alternative, costs about $4 for 11 ounces. Morton's Lite Salt Mixture costs about $1 for 11 ounces. Both NoSalt and Morton's Lite Salt are available on the spice aisle of grocery stores.
Are salt alternatives and/or substitutes for everyone?
No. If you're on a potassium-restricted diet; suffering from renal failure; or have phenylketonuria, a rare condition in which the body cannot process certain enzymatic reactions, avoid salt alternatives. Those battling diabetes and heart and kidney disease also need to be wary of salt alternatives and substitutes. In general, contact your physician for advice.
- By Heesun Wee, Los Angeles Daily News