Free And For Me

Last month the World Action on Salt and Health (WASH) sponsored Salt Awareness Week  to focus worldwide attention on the health risk of consuming too much salt in our diets.  With hundreds of members representing 95 countries, the group’s mission is to improve the health of people throughout the world by reducing salt intake.

New 2025 guidelines issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) advise that adults should consume a maximum of 5 grams of salt (or 2,000 mg of sodium chloride), considerably less than the 2,400 mg a day limit on sodium chloride recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The new guidelines also advise adults to consume at least 3,510 mg a day of potassium. A person with elevated sodium levels and low potassium levels could be at risk for high blood pressure, a leading cause of heart attack and stroke. WHO reports that high blood pressure is responsible for 62 percent of all strokes and 49 percent of all heart attacks annually in the developed world, accounting for 9.4 million deaths each year.

Caroline Klinge, Marketing Manager for Klinge Foods Ltd., is a WASH supporter and is helping to get the word out about Salt Awareness Week.  Klinge Foods produces LoSalt®, a reduced sodium salt that has 66 percent less sodium than table, sea or rock salt. LoSalt is a natural product that is a blend of two natural mineral salts – sodium chloride and potassium chloride. “Using LoSalt in recipes and on the table reduces sodium intake by up to two-thirds,” Klinge said. “It is also a great source of potassium.”

“The theme of Salt Awareness Week is to show that there are options for consumers who want less salt in their diets,” continued Klinge.  “Switching to LoSalt is one way to reduce sodium consumption – you use the same amount as regular salt and get 66 percent less sodium.”

“We have determined that LoSalt provides the greatest reduction in sodium without compromising flavor,” Klinge advised.  “The reduction in sodium does not mean that consumers will compensate by using more.  If a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt, use 1 teaspoon of LoSalt.”

Launched in 1982, LoSalt is sold worldwide and in more than 4,500 U.S. stores.  It is not chemically engineered and it does not use flavor enhancers.  It is the only widely available Kosher (Parev/Passover) certified reduced sodium salt. It is also Halal suitable and allergen-free.

Klinge advises consumers to be salt savvy. “Sodium is found naturally in a variety of foods, including milk and cream,” she said. “It is also found in higher amounts in processed foods and meats such as bacon, as well as in bread. Other products high in sodium chloride include snack foods such as pretzels and chips, condiments like soy sauce, canned soups and bouillon cubes.  Look for products that are labeled ‘reduced sodium’.”

Klinge Foods also plans to introduce single serve packets of LoSalt that will be distributed to restaurants, hotels, hospitals, nursing homes and deli counters for people wishing to season their food while eating out.

“WASH is working with the food industry to reduce the amount of sodium chloride in the foods they produce and with governments worldwide to implement clear and consistent nutritional labeling,” Klinge said. “During Salt Awareness Week, WASH will campaign for everyone to take charge of their health and to eat less salt.”

LoSalt is the U.K.’s leading healthy, reduced sodium salt sold worldwide and in more than 4,500 stores in the U.S., including national chains such as Kroger(Natural Foods Aisle), Whole Foods Market and Safeway as well as leading regional grocery stores, natural food stores and independents.  LoSalt has 66 percent less sodium that regular table, sea and rock salts, but tastes just like regular salt.  A great source of potassium, LoSalt is a natural product.  It is a product of Klinge Foods Ltd., based in East Kilbride, Scotland just south of Glasgow.  For more information, please visit their  website, become a fan at facebook and follow them at twitter.