Diet salt

Fig. 2 shows the temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity of (DIET)2(BF4)3 as a typical example. The compound behaves as a metal at room temperature and l low. At lower temperature, a very broad phase transition is indicated in the resistivity data. Fig. 3 summarizes results of the thermopower measurement on this material at different temperatures. The latter data clearly reveal a phase transition at around 50 K. Similar results have been obtained from DIET salts with other anions like HSO4" or N03", as shown in Fig. 4 for the compound (DIET)j (N03)y, the full structure of which could not be solved so far. 

The compounds listed in Table 22.10 are used as salt substitutes. Their blends are marketed as diet salts . Peptide hydrochlorides with a salty taste are discussed in Section 1.3.3. 

Physiological. Sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) are essential parts of the human diet (Salt as such isn t essential, since other sources of Na and Cl are satisfactory for example, NajCO, and KCI.)... 

Also see MODIFIED DIETS SALT, section on "Excess Salt Labeling" and SODIUM.)... 

Description of Method. Salt substitutes, which are used in place of table salt for individuals on a low-sodium diet, contain KCI. Depending on the brand, fumaric acid, calcium hydrogen phosphate, or potassium tartrate also may be present. Typically, the concentration of sodium in a salt substitute is about 100 ppm. The concentration of sodium is easily determined by flame atomic emission. Because it is difficult to match the matrix of the standards to that of the sample, the analysis is accomplished by the method of standard additions. 

Sodium chloride [7647-14-5] is an essential dietary component. It is necessary for proper acid—base balance and for electrolyte transfer between the iatra-and extracellular spaces. The adult human requirement for NaCl probably ranges between 5—8 g/d. The normal diet provides something ia excess of 10 g/d NaCl, and adding salt duting cooking or at the table iacreases this iatake. 

Sodium and Hypertension. Salt-free or low salt diets often are prescribed for hypertensive patients (57). However, sodium chloride increases the blood pressure in some individuals but not in others. Conversely, restriction of dietary NaCl lowers the blood pressure of some hypertensives, but not of others. Genetic factors and other nutrients, eg, Ca " and K", may be involved. The optimal intakes of Na" and K" remain to be estabUshed... 

Sodium Intake. Where salt is readily available, most of the world s population chooses to consume about 6,000—11,000 mg of salt or sodium chloride a day so that average daily sodium intake from all sources is 3,450 mg (8,770 mg NaCl) (13). The U.S. EDA s GRAS review puts the amount of naturally occurring sodium in the American diet at 1000—1500 mg/d, equivalent to the amount of sodium in approximately 2500—3800 mg NaCl. Thus the average daily intake of NaCl from food-grade salt used in food processing (qv) and from salt added in cooking or at the table is from 4960—6230 mg NaCl. The requirement for salt in the diet has not been precisely estabUshed, but the safe and adequate intake for adults is reported as 1875—5625 mg (14). The National Academy of Sciences recommends that Americans consume a minimum of 500 mg/d of sodium (1250 mg/d salt) (6,15). 

Agriculture. Most forages provide insufficient sodium for animal feeding and may lack adequate chloride. Thus salt supplementation is a critical part of a nutritionally balanced diet for animals. In addition, because animals have a definite appetite for salt, it can be used as a deflvery mechanism to ensure adequate intake of less palatable nutrients and as a feed limiter. Salt is an excellent carrier for trace minerals. Salt, either in loose form or as compressed blocks, can be mixed with feed or fed free-choice to improve animal health and productivity (see Feeds and feed additives). 

Cyclamate. Sodium cyclamate [139-05-9] (6), the sodium salt of cyclamic acid [100-88-9] was so widely used that it was often just called cyclamate. The other common salt, calcium cyclamate [139-06-0] is useful in low sodium diets. 

Nutrition. Zinc is essential to the proper functioning of plants and animals and, as zinc sulfate and oxide, it is used as a feed supplement (49—51) (see Mineral nutrients Feedsand feed additives). Most crops use less than a kilogram of zinc per 1000 m per year, so that zinc salts added at 1.3—4.5 kg/ha gradually build up the zinc reserve (52). Animals, including humans, store relatively Htde available zinc and, thus, require a constant supply in the diet. For instance, beef cattle require 10—30 mg/kg dry feed, dairy cattle 40 mg/kg, and breeding hens 65 mg/kg. Zinc from plants is considered less available to monogastric aminals than zinc from animal protein. 

Sodium and potassium benzoate are substances that may be added direcdy to human food and are affirmed as GRAS (33—35). Benzoic acid and sodium and potassium benzoate are now used as preservatives in such foods as sauces, pickles, cider, fmit juices, wine coolers, symps and concentrates, mincemeat and other acidic pie fillings, margarine, egg powder, fish (as a brine dip component), bottled carbonated beverages, and fmit preserves, jams, and jellies. The popularity of diet soft drinks has led to increased demand for both benzoate salts. 

The Minamata disaster in Japan, when 52 people died in 1952, occurred because fish, which formed the staple diet of the small fishing community, contained abnormally high concentrations of mercury in the form of MeHgSMe. This was found to originate from a local chemical works where Hg salts were used (inefficiently) to catalyse the production of... 

In 1928 Einstein suffered a temporary physical collapse due to an enlargement of the heart. He had to stay in bed for four months and keep to a salt-free diet. He fully recuperated, but he stayed weak for a year. The year 1929 witnessed his first visit with the Belgian royal family, leading to a life-long correspondence with Queen Elizabeth. 

In the tongue, ENaC is expressed in taste bud epithelial cells. The expression of a, (3 and y subunits at the apical membrane of taste buds is observed under low salt diet, known to greatly increase plasma aldosterone. This observation suggests that ENaC could play a significant role in the transduction of salt sensation. 

Follow the diet restrictions recommended by the primary care provider. Do not use salt substitutes unless a particular brand of salt substitute is approved by the primary care provider. 

High levels of sodium in the diet are linked to high blood pressure. Doctors often recommend that individuals who need to lower their blood pressure limit their sodium intake, but the sodium in table salt is a big part of most people s diets. They can turn to salt substitutes instead. 

Doctors may also recommend increasing potassium in the diet to help lower blood pressure. Salt substitutes that contain potassium thus address the problem in two different ways. 

Sweetness is a gustatory response evoked by most sugars, and is relished by man as well as by many other organisms. The desire for sweetness appears to be universal and undisputed. Today, sugar, or one of its synthetic substitutes, appears in more articles of the diet than any other food ingredient, except, perhaps, common table salt. ... 

People whose diets are sparse in seafoods are susceptible to iodine-deficiency diseases, which are easily prevented by providing iodine in the diet. Iodized salt, which contains 0.1% KI, performs this function. 

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