Low Sodium Salt Substitutes, Are They Really Safe?

Are salt substitutes safe for those of us with hypertension? An electronic database search was conducted by researchers on five trial registries and electronic databases to find studies comparing LSSS with regular salt. Using factors such as study methods and size, they then ranked the confidence in the combined evidence based on the results of the studies. In comparison with regular salt, LSSS products have a lower sodium content. Some sodium is replaced with potassium or other minerals in LSSS to lower sodium levels. LSSS is likely to lower blood pressure slightly in adults compared to regular salt. There is a slight reduction in the risk of heart attacks or strokes in adults who use LSSS instead of regular salt. In addition, there is a slight reduction in death from heart disease in adults who use LSSS instead of regular salt. How safe are salt substitutes to those with high blood pressure? Adults may experience a slight increase in blood potassium levels when they use LSSS instead of regular salt. A person whose body is incapable of regulating potassium could suffer harm from this. There is little to none further evidence of safety. Children may experience higher blood pressure when using LSSS instead of regular salt, and we do not know whether LSSS is safe for them to use. Those with kidney problems or taking certain medications may not be directly affected by this evidence