I was eating breakfast this morning and decided to indulge in a little salt.  As I was about to open the packet of salt, I decided to look at the ingredients.  I was quite surprised to see the list – Salt, Sodium Silicoaluminate, Dextrose and Potassium Iodide.

Salt – as expected Sodium Chloride (NaCl). Essential to human life but harmful to us in excess.

Sodium Silicoaluminate – an anti-caking agent used to prevent lumping in table salt.  I did some research on this and realized that there is speculation around it being linked to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.  This is also known as E554 and there is no way I can believe that it is good for the body.  My take is that anything with this synthetic of Silicon and Aluminium should be avoided.  IMHO, all E-ingredients should be avoided.

Dextrose – another mystery! According to the dictionary it is “The dextrorotatory form of glucose found naturally in animal and plant tissue and derived synthetically from starch.“.  Personally, I do not want any form of sugar in my food especially in a sneaky way.  It is claimed by the salt makers that Dextrose keeps the Potassium Iodide stable (preventing its oxidation) but I am sure there are other ways to get iodine – naturally.  Also, definitely not good if you are on the slow carb diet (SCD)!

Potassium Iodide – (KI) This ingredient has a purpose – Iodine is a micro-nurient that enables proper functioning of the thyroid gland and used to prevent Goiter (swelling of the thyroid).  Some people argue the need of this in table salt as we need only a little bit of Iodine and it is present in sea vegetables, cranberries and strawberries (all organic I hope!).

Questionable ingredients in table salt - Gary Saggu

I have attached the photo for reference for all :-)! 

My take on this is to start eating natural unrefined sea salts from pure sources – like Celtic sea salt.  I will check in my local Whole foods and update this list.

– Gary Saggu

(My tech blog)