Gourmet Table Salts: The Mineral Composition Showdown

Abstract

Table salts with their specialty flake size, textures, flavors, and colors can be considered a gastronomy niche food already increasing in demand worldwide. Being unrefined, they can contain trace elements potentially both healthy and toxic. In this study, 12 mineral elements (Al, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn) in 10 different salts commercially available in southern Italy namely, Atlantic grey, Baule volante, Guerande, Hawaiian pink, Hawaiian black, Himalayan pink, Maldon, Mozia, Persian blue, and smoked salts were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and thermal decomposition amalgamation-atomic absorption spectrophotometry (TDA-AAS). The concentration of mineral elements was variable according to the type of salt and its geographical origin. Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Se levels were tolerable and Al, Ca, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn ranged significantly among the samples. Persian Blue and Atlantic Grey salts showed elevated levels of Fe and Zn; their intake can be helpful in some specific conditions. Nevertheless, Ni levels were high in Persian Blue and Smoked salts. Pb exceeded the maximum level in all samples. Additional monitoring analyses of mineral contents in table salts are recommended for human health.

Mineral content in commercially branded and local salt in selected villages from Bahi, Iramba, Manyoni, and Singida urban districts, Tanzania

“…In a study by Ref. [ 69 ] on metal contaminants Tehran in edible salts, Pb (1.59 ± 0.90), Cd (0.91 ± 0.32), Zn (6.02 ± 2.54), Fe (17.8 ± 6.11), Cu (1.24 ± 0.90), and Al (5.82 ± 0.61) mg/Kg in salts were Pb (0.86 ± 0.52), Cd (0.65 ± 0.34), Zn (6.5 ± 4.86), Fe (15.3 ± 5.95), Cu (1.21 ± 0.79), and Al (5.60 ± 0.75) mg/Kg in table salts [ 8 ]. study on the mineral composition showed that the composition of copper (Cu) in Mozia and Persian blue salt was 41.63 ± 4.18 mg/kg and 50.61 ± 6.19 mg/kg, respectively.…”

“…Salt is a ubiquitous dietary component consumed worldwide for human health and nutrition [ [4] , [5] , [6] ]. However, the quality and mineral content of salt vary significantly depending on its source [ 7 ], storage conditions [ 8 ], production, and processing methods [ [9] , [10] , [11] ]. Several studies have examined the mineral content of salt and its implications for human health [ [12] , [13] , [14] , [15] ].…”

“…This suggests that non-iodate salts are most likely present in the public environment, undermining the effectiveness of iodization programs and exacerbating nutritional deficiencies among the population [ 9 , 12 ]. Other minerals such as Nitrate (NO 3 − ), phosphate (PO 4 3− ), sulphate (SO 4 2− ), iron (Fe 2+ or Fe 3+ ), manganese (Mn 2+ ), ammonium (NH 4 + ), and copper (Cu 2+ ) are necessary for general health and nutrition [ 8 , 16 , 32 , 33 ], their deficiencies have profound effects on increased risk of anemia, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease [ 34 ].…”

“…Commercially branded salts often undergo standardized processing and iodization, which may be perceived as ensuring safety and quality compared to locally sourced salts [ 9 , 37 , 23 ]. Commercially branded salts are subject to regulatory standards and quality control measures; locally sourced salts vary in terms of purity and mineral content [ 8 , 9 , 12 ]. However, perceptions of quality and safety are subjective and may vary depending on individual preferences and experiences [ 43 , 44 ].…”

Cystoseira compressa and Ericaria mediterranea: Effective Bioindicators for Heavy- and Semi-Metal Monitoring in Marine Environments with Rocky Substrates

“…Hg analysis was performed using DMA-80 (Milestone S.r.l., Sorisole, Italy), a direct mercury analyser of solid, liquid, and gas samples. The DMA-80 was used according to the previous study by [ 43 ]. Overall, 0.1 g of each algae sample and 100 µL of each seawater sample were placed in a nickel cuvette and quartz cuvette, respectively, and then subjected to a temperature ramp from 60 °C to 650 °C for approximately 5–6 min.…”