Salt replacements could be deadly, say renal specialists

Renal specialists have called for clear labeling on products that use potassium chloride as a salt replacer because it could pose a hidden risk for dialysis patients.

Potassium chloride has been seen as a potential candidate for salt replacement because it is as salty as salt, and although it does not have salt’s functionality, it has not been connected to the health problems associated with salt.

Bonnie Malinowski, a dietitian for dialysis patients and certified specialist for renal nutrition, told FoodNavigator-USA.com: “My concern with this [for food companies] is not so much that they eliminate it but that they label it. I think that putting potassium on the label might attract some people to those foods anyway, as potassium is heart healthy for most people.”

Malinowski suggested that products that use the salt substitute could be labeled ‘low in sodium (or salt)’ and ‘good source of potassium’.

She explained that it is often difficult for renal patients to avoid potassium, which their kidneys are unable to filter, because it is found at high levels in many common foods, including bananas, tomatoes and potatoes.