If patients with kidney disease consume low-sodium salt for a long-term period, it may cause respiratory problems, chest pains and heart attacks. However, there are currently no warnings or labels on products currently available on the market. This prompted the Korea Consumer Protection Board (KCPB) tested the labeling of 7 types of low-sodium salts and consulted with experts.

 

■ Low-sodium salt widely used as an alternative to salt 

Daily consumption of sodium among Koreans was found to be far higher than the recommended level by the World Health Organization (WHO). This has led to consumers turning their attention towards low-sodium salts in which the level of sodium chloride is reduced and potassium chloride added to maintain the salty flavor.

※Over consumption of sodium may cause hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease and stroke. Salt is one of the well-known sodium products which contain over 88% of sodium chloride. 

 

There are currently 4 types of low-sodium salt products (2 domestic, 2 imported) sold in department stores and discount stores. The proportion of potassium chloride by product ranges from 28% to 62%. 

 

Unit: %

Product Name	Product Type	Manufacturer	Seller (Importer)	Proportion of Sodium Chloride	Proportion of Potassium Chloride
Baeksul Pan Salt	Combined Food Additive	Finland Oriolela Co.	CJ & Co.	57	28
Chung Jung Won Sodium 1/2 Salt	Other Processed Industrial Goods	Daesang Co.	Daesang Co.	50.4	35.6
Molton Salt	-	Molton Salt (USA)	Sun Crest Co.	49.36	49.36
Genser Carnes Rojas	Spices	Alimentos Genser S.A. (Argentina)	Brians Associates Co.	31	62
Genser Light	Chemically Compatible Food Additive	″	″	49	50
Genser Finas Hierbas	Spices	″	″	29	59
Genser Carnes Blancas	Spices	″	″	30	60
Total: 7 products, 4 companies

 

■ Potassium chloride added in low-sodium salts deadly for kidney patients 

 

According to experts, potassium chloride discharges through the kidney so if patients with a weak kidney excessively consume, it increases the concentration of chloride in the blood that leads to severe complications such as respiratory problems, chest pains and heart attacks. 

 

In particular, kidney treatments contain substances that increase the amount of chloride in the blood so consuming additional amount through low-sodium salts other than foods is dangerous. It can lead to more serious problems as the symptoms aren’t noticeable in the early stage. 

 

■ Domestic products don’t have warnings and labels 

 

After examining the labeling information of 7 types of products made from 4 companies, all were found to have no information on side effects due to consumption of sodium chloride.  In the United States, Australia and Japan, products have this warning label: “Patients should consult their physicians before use.” 

 

Source: Consumer Safety Center