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{{three other uses|common table salt|the chemical properties of salt|sodium chloride|the term 'a salt' as used in chemistry|salt (chemistry)}}
[[Image:Tablesalt.jpg|thumb|Salt is mostly sodium chloride (NaCl). This salt shaker also contains grains of [[rice]], which some use to prevent caking]]
[[Image:Image-Zigong Salt.jpg|thumb|Brine being boiled down to pure salt in [[Zigong]], [[PRC]]]]

'''Salt''' is a [[dietary mineral]] essential for [[animal]] life, composed primarily of [[sodium chloride]]. Salt [[flavor]] is one of the [[basic taste]]s, and salt is the most popular [[food seasoning]].{{Fact|date=May 2008}} Salt is also an important [[preservative]].

Salt for human consumption is produced in different forms: unrefined salt (such as [[sea salt]]), refined salt (table salt), and [[History of iodised salt|iodized salt]]. It is a crystalline solid, white, pale pink or light gray in color, normally obtained from [[sea water]] or rock deposits. Edible rock salts may be slightly grayish in color due to this mineral content.

Chloride and sodium ions, the two major components of salt, are necessary for the survival of all known living creatures, including humans. Salt is involved in regulating the [[water]] content (fluid balance) of the body. Salt cravings may be caused by trace mineral deficiencies as well as by a deficiency of sodium chloride itself. Conversely, over consumption of salt increases the risk of health problems, including [[hypertension|high blood pressure]].

==History==
{{main|History of salt}}
Human beings have enjoyed canning and artificial refrigeration for a couple of centuries; in the millennia before then, salt provided the best-known preservative of food, especially meat.<ref name=Barber136>{{Harvcolnb|Barber|1999|p=136}}</ref>

The harvest of salt from the surface of the salt lake [[Yuncheng Salt Lake|Yuncheng]] in [[Shanxi]] dates back to at least 6000 BC, making it one of the oldest verifiable saltworks.<ref name=Kurlansky>{{Harvcolnb|Kurlansky|2002}}</ref>{{rp|18–19}}

Salt was included among funereal offerings found in [[ancient Egypt]]ian tombs from the third millennium BC, as were salted birds and salt fish.<ref name=Kurlansky/>{{rp|38}} About 2800 BC, the Egyptians began exporting salt fish to the [[Phoenicia]]ns in return for [[Lebanon Cedar]], glass, and the dye [[Tyrian purple]]; the [[Phoenicia]]ns traded Egyptian salt fish and salt from North Africa throughout their Mediterranean trade empire.<ref name=Kurlansky/>{{rp|44}}

Along the [[Sahara]], the [[Tuareg]] maintain routes especially for the transport of salt through the use of [[Azalai|salt caravans]] (known there as azalai). In 1960, the caravans still transported some 15 000 tons of salt, yet it has now declined to only roughly a third of this.<ref>Onbekende Wereld by Wim Offeciers (based on [[Doucan Gersi]]'s travels)</ref>

On the river Salzach in central [[Austria]], within a radius of no more than 17 kilometres, lie Salzburg, Hallstatt, and Hallein. [[Salzach]] literally means "salt water" and [[Salzburg]] "salt city", both taking their names from the [[Germanic languages|Germanic]] [[Root (linguistics)|root]] for salt, ''salz''; [[Hallstatt]] literally means "salt town" and [[Hallein]] "saltwork", taking their names from ''hal(l)-'', a [[Root (linguistics)|root]] for salt found in [[Celtic languages|Celtic]], [[Ancient Greek|Greek]], and [[Egyptian language|Egyptian]].{{Fact|date=July 2008}} The [[Root (linguistics)|root]] ''hal(l)-'' also gave us [[Gaul]], the [[Ancient Rome|Roman]] exonym for the Celts. Hallstatt and Hallein in Austria, [[Halle, Saxony-Anhalt|Halle]] and [[Schwäbisch Hall]] in Germany, [[Halych]] in Ukraine, and [[Galicia (Spain)|Galicia in Spain]]: this list of places named for Celtic saltworks is far from complete.<ref>Included among the other, less well-known continental salt sites with ''hal(l)-'' in their names are [[Reichenhall]] and [[Schwäbisch Hall]] in Germany, and [[Hall in Tirol|Hall]] in Austria. {{Harvcol|Barber|1999|p=137}}</ref><ref>{{Harvcolnb|Barber|1999|pp=135–137}}</ref><ref>{{Harvcolnb|Kurlansky|2002|pp=52–55}}</ref>

[[Hallstatt culture|Hallstatt]] gave its name to the [[Celt]]ic [[archaeological culture]] that began mining for salt in the area in around 800 BC Around 400 BC, the Hallstatt Celts, who had heretofore [[salt mine|mined]] for salt, began [[Open pan salt making|flushing the salt out of mines as brine and boiling off the excess water]]. During the first millennium BC, Celtic communities grew rich trading salt and salted meat to [[Ancient Greece]] and [[Ancient Rome]] in exchange for wine and other luxuries.<ref name=Barber136/>

At times, troops in the [[Roman army]] were even paid in salt, which is the origin of the words ''salary'' and, by way of [[French language|French]], ''soldier''.<ref name=Kurlansky/>{{rp|63}} The word ''salad'' literally means "salted," and comes from the [[Ancient Rome|ancient Roman]] practice of salting [[leaf vegetable]]s.<ref name=Kurlansky/>{{rp|64}}

In the history of Indian Independence, [[Mahatma Gandhi]] took a long parade called "Dandi March" or "Salt SathyaGraha" against taxes levied by the then British rulers for the export of salt, as this would affect the poor "salt-makers". What is very significant of this announced "March" is that Gandhi never told about his "way" and "destination" till the last moment, and it was a very great success in bringing millions of people together as a single man.

Culturally, salt has different meanings. In Tamil culture, India, "to add salt to food" means that one remains faithful to that household, and also "salt" is considered to increase "senstivity", i.e.,salt is expected to instigate anger, and aggravate "sense of touch" in a person. Salt is also used as a rough method for treating inflammation caused by allergy or insect bites.

==In religion==
There are thirty-five verses which reference salt in the English translation of the [[Bible]] (King James Version), the earliest being the story of [[Lot (biblical)|Lot]]'s wife, who was turned into a pillar of salt when she disobediently looked back at the wicked cities of [[Sodom and Gomorrah|Sodom]] ([[Genesis]] 19:26). When [[King Abimelech]] destroyed the city of [[Shechem]] he is said to have "sowed salt on it;" a phrase expressing the completeness of its ruin. (Judges 9:45.) In the [[Sermon on the Mount]], [[Jesus]] referred to his followers as the "salt of the earth". The apostle Paul also encouraged Christians to "let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt" (Colossians 4:6). According to the Gospel "salt" means "goodness and strength of character."(as stated in Oxford English Dictionary)

Salt is also considered to be a very auspicious substance in Hindu mythology, and is used in particular religious ceremonies like house warming and weddings.

Salt is mandatory in the rite of the [[Tridentine Mass]]. Salt is used in the third item (which includes an Exorcism) of the [[Celtic Consecration]] (cf. [[Gallican rite]]) that is employed in the consecration of a church. Salt may be added to the water "where it is customary" in the Roman Catholic rite of [[Holy water]].

In the native Japanese religion [[Shinto]], salt is used for ritual purification of locations and people, such as in [[Sumo Wrestling]].

In [[Aztec]] mythology, [[Huixtocihuatl]] was a fertility goddess who presided over salt and salt water.

== Forms of salt ==
=== Unrefined salt ===
{{main|Sea salt|Halite|Fleur de sel}}
[[Image:Seasalt.jpg|thumb|150px|A commercial pack of sea salt]]
Different natural salts have different mineralities, giving each one a unique flavor. [[Fleur de sel]], natural sea salt harvested by hand, has a unique flavor varying from region to region.

Some advocates for sea salt assert that unrefined sea salt is healthier than refined salts.<ref>[http://www.gomanzanillo.com/features/salt/index.htm Sea Salt is good for you<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> However, completely raw sea salt is bitter due to magnesium and calcium compounds, and thus is rarely eaten. The refined salt industry cites scientific studies saying that raw sea and rock salts do not contain enough [[iodine]] salts to prevent [[Iodine deficiency|iodine deficiency diseases]].<ref>[http://www.saltinstitute.org/iodine-seasalt.html Iodine in non-iodized sea salt<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

Unrefined sea salts are also commonly used as ingredients in bathing additives and [[Cosmetics|cosmetic]] products. One example are [[bath salts]], which uses [[sea salt]] as its main ingredient and combined with other ingredients used for its healing and therapeutic effects.

===Refined salt===
[[Image:Piles of Salt Salar de Uyuni Bolivia Luca Galuzzi 2006 a.jpg|thumb|left|Salt mounds in [[Bolivia]].]]
Refined salt, which is most widely used presently, is mainly sodium chloride. Food grade salt accounts for only a small part of salt production in industrialised countries (3% in Europe<ref>European Salt Producers' Association http://www.eu-salt.com/index3.htm</ref>) although world-wide, food uses account for 17.5% of salt production<ref>Roskill Information Services http://www.roskill.com/reports/salt</ref>. The majority is sold for industrial use. Salt has great commercial value because it is a necessary ingredient in the manufacturing of many things. A few common examples include: the production of pulp and paper, setting dyes in textiles and fabrics, and the making of soaps and detergents.

The manufacture and use of salt is one of the oldest chemical industries.<ref>[http://www.salt.org.il/arch.html Salt [ NaCl &#93; made the world go round<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Salt is also obtained by evaporation of [[sea water]], usually in shallow basins warmed by [[sunlight]];<ref>[http://nauticus.org/currwthrless043.html Nauticus - Weather Curriculum<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> salt so obtained was formerly called bay salt, and is now often called sea salt or solar salt. Today, most refined salt is prepared from rock salt: mineral deposits high in salt.{{Fact|date=April 2007}} These rock salt deposits were formed by the evaporation of ancient salt lakes.<ref>UK Salt Manufacturers' Association http://www.saltsense.co.uk/aboutsalt-what01.htm </ref> These deposits may be [[mining|mined]] conventionally or through the injection of water. Injected water dissolves the salt, and the [[brine]] solution can be pumped to the surface where the salt is collected.

After the raw salt is obtained, it is refined to purify it and improve its storage and handling characteristics. Purification usually involves recrystallization. In recrystallization, a brine solution is treated with chemicals that precipitate most impurities (largely magnesium and calcium salts).<ref>[http://www.saltsense.co.uk/aboutsalt-prod02.htm The Salt Manufacturers Association ::: saltsense, salt history, salt manufacture, salt uses, sodium. Key information on salt from the Salt Industry<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Multiple stages of evaporation are then used to collect pure sodium chloride crystals, which are [[kiln]]-dried.
[[Image:Salt crystals in death valley.jpg|200px|Salt Crystals at [[Devil's Golf Course]] in [[Death Valley National Park]].|thumb]]
[[Image:Salt-packet.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Single-serving salt packets.]]
Since the 1950s it has been common to add a trace of sodium hexacyanoferrate(II) to the brine; this acts as an [[anticaking agent]] by promoting irregular crystals.<ref>[http://www.saltsense.co.uk/hist-chem08.htm The Salt Manufacturers Association ::: saltsense, salt history, salt manufacture, salt uses, sodium. Key information on salt from the Salt Industry<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Other [[anticaking agent]]s (and [[potassium iodide]], for iodised salt) are generally added after crystallization.{{Fact|date=April 2007}} These agents are [[hygroscopic]] chemicals which absorb [[humidity]], keeping the salt crystals from sticking together. Some anti-caking agents used are [[tricalcium phosphate]], [[calcium carbonate|calcium]] or [[magnesium carbonate]]s, [[fatty acid]] salts ([[acid salt]]s), [[magnesium oxide]], [[silicon dioxide]], [[calcium silicate]], sodium alumino-silicate, and alumino-calcium [[silicate]]. Concerns have been raised regarding the possible toxic effects of [[aluminium]] in the latter two compounds{{Fact|date=April 2007}}; however, both the European Union and the United States [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) permit their use.<ref>[http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/HE/HE-625.html HE-620<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The refined salt is then ready for packing and distribution.

===Table salt===

Table salt is refined salt, 99% [[sodium chloride]].<ref>Nutritional analysis provided with Tesco Table Salt, from Tesco Stores Ltd (UK) states 38.9% sodium by weight which equals 98.9% sodium chloride</ref><ref>[http://www.wasalt.com.au/Table.html Table<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> It usually contains substances that make it free-flowing (anti-caking agents) such as sodium silicoaluminate or magnesium carbonate. It is common practice to put a few grains of uncooked [[rice]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasci/gen01/gen01420.htm |title= Rice in Salt Shakers |publisher= Ask a Scientist |accessdate= 2008-07-29 }}</ref> or half a dry cracker (such as Saltine){{Fact|date=May 2008}} in salt shakers to absorb extra moisture and help break of clumps when anti-caking agents are not enough.
Table salt has a [[particle density]] of 2.165 g/cm{{sup|3}}, and a [[bulk density]] (dry, [[ASTM]] D 632 gradation) of about 1.154 g/cm{{sup|3}}.<ref>[http://www.saltinstitute.org/15.html ''What is Salt?'', Salt Institute, 2008]</ref>

===Salty condiments===

In many East Asian cultures, salt is not traditionally used as a condiment.<ref>[http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/pacificnw/2001/0729/taste.html The Seattle Times: Pacific Northwest Magazine<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> However, condiments such as [[soy sauce]], [[fish sauce]] and [[oyster sauce]] tend to have a high salt content and fill much the same role as a salt-providing table condiment that table salt serves in western cultures.

==== Additives ====
{{seealso|Iodised salt}}

''Iodized salt'' ([[British English|BrE]]: ''iodised salt'') is table salt mixed with a minute amount of [[potassium iodide]], [[sodium iodide]], or [[sodium iodate|iodate]]. Iodized salt is used to help reduce the chance of [[iodine deficiency]] in humans. Iodine deficiency commonly leads to [[thyroid]] gland problems, specifically endemic [[Goitre|goiter]]. Endemic goiter is a disease characterized by a swelling of the thyroid gland, usually resulting in a bulbous protrusion on the neck. While only tiny quantities of iodine are required in a [[diet (nutrition)|diet]] to prevent goiter, the [[United States]] [[Food and Drug Administration]] recommends (21 CFR 101.9 (c)(8)(iv)) 150 [[Kilogram#SI multiples|micrograms]] of iodine per day for both men and women, and there are many places around the world where natural levels of iodine in the [[soil]] are low and the iodine is not taken up by vegetables.

Today, iodized salt is more common in the [[United States]], [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]] than in the [[United Kingdom]].
Table salt is also often iodized&mdash;a small amount of [[potassium iodide]] (in the US) or [[potassium iodate]] (in the EU) is added as an important dietary supplement. Table salt is mainly employed in cooking and as a table condiment. Iodized table salt has significantly reduced disorders of [[iodine deficiency]] in countries where it is used.<ref>[http://www.saltinstitute.org/37.html Iodized Salt<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Iodine is important to prevent the insufficient production of thyroid hormones ([[hypothyroidism]]), which can cause [[goitre]], [[cretinism]] in children, and [[myxedema]] in adults.

The amount of iodine and the specific iodine compound added to salt varies from country to country. In the [[United States]], iodized salt contains 46-77 ppm, while in the UK the iodine content of iodized salt is recommended to be 10-22 ppm.<ref>[http://www.saltinstitute.org/37a.html Iodized Salt<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

In some European countries where [[drinking water fluoridation]] is not practiced, fluorinated table salt is available. In France, 35% of sold table salt contains either [[sodium fluoride]] or [[potassium fluoride]].<ref>http://www.afssa.fr/Ftp/Afssa/26447-26448.pdf</ref> Another additive, especially important for [[pregnancy|pregnant]] women, is [[Folic acid]] (Vitamin B9), which gives the table salt a yellow color.

In Canada, at least one brand (Windsor salt) contains [[invert sugar]]. The reason for this is unclear.

==Health effects==
[[Sodium]] is one of the primary [[electrolyte]]s in the body. All four cationic electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium) are available in unrefined salt, as are other vital minerals needed for optimal bodily function. Too much or too little salt in the diet can lead to [[cramp|muscle cramps]], [[dizziness]], or even an [[electrolyte disturbance]], which can cause severe, even fatal, neurological problems.<ref name=oz>Australia: Better Health Channel (Australia, Victoria) [http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Salt?OpenDocument Salt]</ref> Drinking too much water, with insufficient salt intake, puts a person at risk of [[water intoxication]] ([[hyponatremia]]). Salt is even sometimes used as a health aid, such as in treatment of [[dysautonomia]].<ref>[http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/1200/1271.asp?index=6004 Cleveland Clinic Health Information Center Dysautonomia page]</ref>

People's risk for disease due to insufficient or excessive salt intake varies due to biochemical individuality. Some have asserted that while the risks of consuming too much salt are real, the risks have been exaggerated for most people, or that the studies done on the consumption of salt can be interpreted in many different ways.<ref>Why Files article [http://whyfiles.org/111salt/ Salt and other wounds]</ref>
<ref>[[Gary Taubes]], [http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/281/5379/898?ijkey=ATm56Jl8nBVYU "The (Political) Science of Salt"], ''[[Science (journal)|Science]]'', 14 August 1998, Vol. 281. no. 5379, pp. 898 - 907</ref>

Excess salt consumption has been linked to:

* exercise-induced [[asthma]].<ref>[http://www.homepages.indiana.edu/062405/text/health.shtml Exercise-induced asthma more clearly linked to high-salt diet]</ref>
* [[heartburn]]<ref>Everybody [http://www.everybody.co.nz/page-f8eded49-0e6d-4818-92e6-78d398ea7a79.aspx Study adds salt to suspected triggers for heartburn]</ref>.
* [[osteoporosis]]: One report shows that a high salt diet does reduce bone density in girls.<ref>[http://www.foodnavigator.com/news-by-product/news.asp?id=59929&k=high-salt-diet High salt diet reduces bone density in girls]</ref>. Yet "While high salt intakes have been associated with detrimental effects on bone health, there are insufficient data to draw firm conclusions." (<ref name=SACN>Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) ''[http://www.sacn.gov.uk/pdfs/sacn_salt_final.pdf Salt and Health]'' (PDF)</ref>, p3)
*Gastric cancer ([[Stomach cancer]]) is associated with high levels of sodium, "but the evidence does not generally relate to foods typically consumed in the UK." (<ref name=SACN/>, p18) However, in Japan, salt consumption is higher.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3370141.stm Salt raises 'stomach cancer risk']</ref>
* [[hypertension]] (high blood pressure): "Since 1994, the evidence of an association between dietary salt intakes and blood pressure has increased. The data have been consistent in various study populations and across the age range in adults." (<ref name=SACN/> p3). A large scale study from 2007 has shown that people with high-normal blood pressure who significantly reduced the amount of salt in their diet decreased their chances of developing cardiovascular disease by 25% over the following 10 to 15 years. Their risk of dying from cardiovascular disease decreased by 20%.<ref name="CookN">Cook NR, Cutler JA, Obarzanek E ''et. al''. Long term effects of dietary sodium reduction on cardiovascular disease outcomes: observational follow-up of the trials of hypertension prevention (TOHP). ''BMJ''. 2007;334(7599):885. PMID 17449506 [http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/334/7599/885 Free full-text]</ref>
* [[left ventricular hypertrophy]] (cardiac enlargement): "Evidence suggests that high salt intake causes left ventricular hypertrophy, a strong risk factor for cardiovascular disease, independently of blood pressure effects." (<ref name=SACN/> p3) "…there is accumulating evidence that high salt intake predicts left ventricular hypertrophy." (<ref name=fsai>Food Safety Authority of Ireland [http://www.fsai.ie/publications/reports/salt_report.pdf Salt and Health: Review of the Scientific Evidence and Recommendations for Public Policy in Ireland]</ref>, p12) Excessive salt (sodium) intake, combined with an inadequate intake of water, can cause [[hypernatremia]]. It can exacerbate [[renal disease]].<ref name=oz/>
* [[edema]] ([[British English|BE]]: oedema): A decrease in salt intake has been suggested to treat edema (fluid retention).<ref>Australia: Better Health Channel (Australia, Victoria) [http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcArticles.nsf/pages/Fluid_retention?OpenDocument Fluid retention]</ref><ref name=oz/>
* [[Peptic ulcer|duodenal ulcers]] and [[Peptic ulcer|gastric ulcers]]<ref>BBC [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6680185.stm High-salt diet link to ulcer risk] 22 May 2007</ref>
* [[Death]]. Ingestion of large amounts of salt in a short time (about 1 g per kg of body weight) can be fatal. Salt solutions have been used in China as a traditional suicide method, and deaths have also resulted from attempted use of salt solutions as [[emetic]]s, forced salt intake, and accidental confusion of salt with sugar in child food.<ref>Elisabeth Elena Türk, Friedrich Schulz, Erwin Koops, Axel Gehl and Michael Tsokos. Fatal hypernatremia after using salt as an emetic—report of three autopsy cases. ''Legal Medicine'' '''2005''', ''7'', 47-50. {{doi|10.1016/j.legalmed.2004.06.005}}</ref>

Sea salt (an unrefined form of salt made by evaporating sea water) is often sold for use as a condiment. Because it contains trace amounts of other minerals which are removed in the refining process, it may have health advantages over normal table salt.<ref>http://www.arltma.com/SaltCravingDoc.htm</ref> Certain sea salts are also used in the production of [[bath salts]] and [[Cosmetics|cosmetic]] products.

Rock and sea salt is usually referred and sold as ''Natrum Muriaticum'' in [[homeopathy]], and purported by followers to be a deep acting and powerful curative when taken over long periods of time.

Some isolated cultures, such as the [[Yanomami]] in South America, have been found to consume little salt, possibly an adaptation originated in the predominantly vegetarian diet of human primate ancestors.<ref>[http://www.scielo.br/pdf/abc/v80n3/a05v80n3.pdf Yanomami Indians in the INTERSALT study], (accessed[[13 January]],[[2007]])</ref>

== Recommended intake ==
[[Image:Spice 4 bg 010104.jpg|thumb|Sea salt and peppercorns.]]
[[Image:Saltmill.jpg|thumb|right|A salt mill for sea salt.]]

In the [[United Kingdom]] the [[Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition]] (SACN) recommended in 2003 that, for a typical adult, the [[Reference Nutrient Intake]] is 4 g salt per day (1.6 g or 70 mmol sodium). However, average adult intake is two and a half times the Reference Nutrient Intake for sodium. SACN states, "The target salt intakes set for adults and children do not represent ideal or optimum consumption levels, but achievable population goals."<ref name=SACN/> The Food Safety Authority of [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]] endorses the UK targets.<ref name=fsai/>

[[Health Canada]] recommends an Adequate Intake (AI) and an Upper Limit (UL) in terms of ''sodium'',<ref>Health Canada [http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/nutrition/reference/table/ref_elements_tbl_e.html Dietary Reference Intakes]</ref> as does the Auckland District Health Board in [[New Zealand]].<ref>Auckland District Health Board ''[http://www.arphs.govt.nz/publications/Advice_Publications/N/2005/NA_%20Dec05.pdf Public Health Nutrition Advice]'' (PDF)</ref>. [[Australia]] defines a recommended dietary intake (RDI) of 0.92 g–2.3 g sodium per day (= 2.3 g–5.8 g salt).<ref>Better Health Channel (Australia, Victoria) [http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Salt?OpenDocument Salt]</ref>

In the [[United States]], the Food and Drug Administration itself does not make a recommendation,<ref>U. S. Food and Drug Administration [http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/1997/797_salt.html A Pinch of Controversy Shakes Up Dietary Salt]</ref> but refers readers to ''Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005''. These suggest that US citizens should consume less than 2,300 mg of sodium (= 2.3 g sodium = 5.8 g salt) per day.<ref>Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) ''Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005'' [http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document/html/chapter8.htm "Sodium and Potassium"]</ref>

=== Labeling ===
UK: The [[Food Standards Agency]] defines the level of salt in foods as follows: "High is more than 1.5g salt per 100g (or 0.6g sodium). Low is 0.3g salt or less per 100g (or 0.1g sodium). If the amount of salt per 100g is in between these figures, then that is a medium level of salt." In the UK, foods produced by some supermarkets and manufacturers have ‘traffic light’ colors on the front of the pack: Red (High), Amber (Medium), or Green (Low).<ref>[http://www.salt.gov.uk/understanding_labels.html Understanding labels]</ref>

USA: The FDA ''Food Labeling Guide'' stipulates whether a food can be labelled as "free", "low", or "reduced/less" in respect of sodium. When other health claims are made about a food (e.g. low in fat, calories, etc.), a disclosure statement is required if the food exceeds 480mg of sodium per 'serving.'<ref>Food and Drug Administration [http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/flg-6a.html A Food Labeling Guide--Appendix A]</ref>

== Campaigns ==
In 2004, Britain's [[Food Standards Agency]] started a [[public health]] campaign called "Salt - Watch it", which recommends no more than 6g of salt per day; it features a character called [[Sid the Slug]] and was criticised by the Salt Manufacturers Association (SMA).<ref>Salt Manufacturers Association press release [http://www.saltsense.co.uk/releases/rel015.htm New salt campaign under attack]</ref> The [[Advertising Standards Authority]] did not uphold the SMA complaint in its adjudication.<ref>Advertising Standards Authority [http://www.asa.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/EFB31ED5-A00D-4AE7-8988-F69B20DF8C6D/0/Broadcast_rulings_20_April_05.pdf Broadcast Advertising Adjudications: 20 April 2005] (PDF)</ref>. In March 2007, the FSA launched the third phase of their campaign with the slogan "Salt. Is your food full of it?" fronted by comedienne [[Jenny Eclair]].<ref>[http://www.salt.gov.uk/tv_ads.html Salt TV ads]</ref>

The Menzies Research Institute in Tasmania, Australia, maintains a website <ref>[http://www.saltmatters.org/ Salt Matters]</ref> dedicated to educating people about the potential problems of a salt-laden diet.

Consensus Action on Salt and Health (CASH)<ref>{{cite web|title=CASH Consensus Action on Salt|url=http://www.hyp.ac.uk/cash/}}</ref> established in 1996, actively campaigns to raise awareness of the harmful health effects of salt. The 2008 focus includes raising awareness of high levels of salt hidden in sweet foods and marketed towards children.<ref>{{cite web| title=My Blood Pressure| article=Concerns over hidden salt in sweets| url=http://www.my-blood-pressure.com/salt-sweet.html}}</ref>

== Salt substitutes ==
{{main|Salt substitute}}
Salt intake can be reduced by simply reducing the quantity of salty foods in a diet, without recourse to salt substitutes. Salt substitutes have a taste similar to table salt and contain mostly [[potassium chloride]], which will increase [[potassium]] intake. Excess potassium intake can cause [[hyperkalemia]]. Various diseases and [[medications]] may decrease the body's excretion of potassium, thereby increasing the risk of hyperkalemia. If you have kidney failure, heart failure or diabetes, seek medical advice before using a salt substitute. A manufacturer, LoSalt, has issued an advisory statement<ref>LoSalt [http://www.losalt.com/docs/lo_salt_web_advice.pdf Advisory Statement] (PDF)</ref> that people taking the following prescription drugs should not use a salt substitute: [[Amiloride]], [[Triamterene]], Dytac, [[Spironolactone]] (Brand name Aldactone), [[Eplerenone]] and [[Inspra]].

==Production trends==
[[Image:2005salt.PNG|thumb|300px|right|Salt output in 2005]]
Salt is produced by [[evaporation]] of [[seawater]] or [[brine]] from other sources, such as brine wells and [[salt lake (geography)|salt lake]]s, and by [[salt mine|mining]] '''rock salt''', called [[halite]]. In 2002, total world production was estimated at 210 million [[tonne]]s, the top five producers being the United States (40.3 million tonnes), China (32.9), Germany (17.7), India (14.5), and Canada (12.3).<ref>Susan R. Feldman. Sodium chloride. ''Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology''. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Published online '''2005'''. {{doi|10.1002/0471238961.1915040902051820.a01.pub2}}</ref> Note that these figures are not just for table salt but for sodium chloride in general.

==See also==
{{examplefarm}}
[[Image:Salt ship loading.jpg|thumb|400px|A ship loading salt from a terminal.]]

* [[Alberger process]]
* [[Black salt]]
* [[Curing (food preservation)]]
* [[Fleur de sel]]
* [[Halite]]
* [[History of salt]]
* [[International Salt Co. v. United States]]
* [[Kosher salt]]
* [[Old Salt Route]]
* [[Pink salt]]
* [[Salt equivalent]]
* [[Salt shaker]]
* [[Sodium chloride]]
* [[Sea salt]]
* [[Smoked salt]]

==Notes==
{{reflist|2}}

==References==
*{{Citation | last=Kurlansky | first=Mark | year=2002 | title=Salt: A World History | place=New York | publication-place=New York | publisher=Walker & Co. | isbn =0802713734}}.
*{{Citation | last=Barber | first=Elizabeth Wayland | year=1999 | title=The Mummies of Ürümchi | publication-place=New York | publisher=W.W. Norton & Co. | isbn =0393320197}}.

==Further reading==
* Kurlansky, Mark, and S. D. Schindler. ''The Story of Salt''. New York, NY: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2006. ISBN 0399239987 -- a children's book about salt.
* Laszlo, Pierre. ''Salt: Grain of Life''. Arts and traditions of the table. New York: Columbia University Press, 2001.
* Department of Health, ''Dietary Reference Values for Food Energy and Nutrients for the UK: Report of the Panel on DRVs of the Committee on the Medical Aspects of Food Policy'' , The Stationery Office.

==External links==
{{linkfarm}}
{{Cookbook|Salt}}
{{commonscat|Salt}}
{{wikisourcepar|Littell's Living Age/Volume 4/Issue 34/Salt in Abyssinia|"Salt in Abyssinia" (1845) is an early account of the importance of salt to the diet.}}
* [http://people.virginia.edu/~jtd/iccidd/iodman/iodman5.htm Salt production methods and practices]
* [http://www.saltinstitute.org/ Salt Institute]
* [http://www.foodsubs.com/Salt.html Cook's Thesaurus: Salt] (Summary and descriptions of edible salts)

=== Salt and health ===

;Government bodies
Many other government bodies are listed in the References section above.
* Ireland: Food Safety Authority of Ireland [http://www.fsai.ie/industry/salt/salt.asp Salt and Health]
* UK: Food Standards Agency [http://www.salt.gov.uk Salt campaign]
* UK: Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) ''[http://www.sacn.gov.uk/pdfs/sacn_salt_final.pdf Salt and Health]'' (PDF) and [http://www.sacn.gov.uk/meetings/archived/salt/minutes.html Salt Subgroup minutes]
* UK: [http://www.food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/publication/why6g0807.pdf Why 6g? A summary of the scientific evidence for the salt intake target]

;Medical authorities
* The Cochrane Collaboration [http://www.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab004937.html "Effect of longer-term modest salt reduction on blood pressure"]
* [[Menzies Research Institute]] [http://www.saltmatters.org/ Salt Matters Web Site]

;Charities and campaigns
* British Nutrition Foundation article [http://www.nutrition.org.uk/home.asp?siteId=43&sectionId=780&subSectionId=341&parentSection=303&which=5#1275 "Salt in the Diet"]
* [http://www.hyp.ac.uk/cash/ Consensus Action on Salt and Health] (UK charity)
* [http://www.actiononsalt.org.uk/old/index.htm Action on Salt and Health]
* CSPI page [http://www.cspinet.org/salt/ Salt: The Forgotten Killer]
* Irish Heart Foundation booklet ''[http://www.irishheart.ie/iopen24/catalog/pub/Literature/IHFsaltleaflet.pdf Time to cut down on salt]'' (PDF format)

;Journalism
* BBC article [http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/food_matters/salt.shtml "Salt: friend or foe?"]
* BBC medical notes [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/medical_notes/393201.stm "Salt"]
* ''Guardian'' article [http://www.guardian.co.uk/g2/story/0,,1601220,00.html The sceptic]
* Ockham's Razor [http://www.abc.net.au/rn/ockhamsrazor/stories/2007/1838681.htm Salt matters] - talk by Dr Trevor Beard, Menzies Research Institute (ABC [[Radio National]] 4th February 2007)

;Salt industry
* EuSalt [http://www.eu-salt.com/position.htm Position papers]
* [http://www.losalt.com/default.htm LoSalt] (salt substitute manufacturer)
* Salt Manufacturers' Association [http://www.saltsense.co.uk/salt01.htm Salt and health]
* Salt Institute [http://www.saltinstitute.org/28.html Sodium and health]

*{{note|SaltAsSalary}} Bloch, David: [http://www.salt.org.il/frame_econ.html Economics of NaCl: Salt made the world go round].<!--Backs up statement that Roman soldiers were paid in salt.-->
</div>

[[Category:Edible salt| ]]

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[[bat-smg:Droska]]
[[zh:食盐]]

Revision as of 13:39, 12 August 2008

eat loads it is good for u clue bot dont you dare change the page back

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