Safety and effects of potassium- and magnesium-containing low sodium salt mixtures

The main purpose of the present studies was to examine the safety of salt mixtures in which 35 or 55% of the NaCl in common table salt was replaced by potassium and magnesium salts. For 41 elderly hospitalized patients common salt from the hospital kitchen was replaced by Na+-K+-Mg2+ salt for 3-5 weeks; for in 85 drug-treated outpatients home use of NaCl was replaced by the use of Na+-K+-Mg2+ salt for 6 months. The patients' acceptance of the Na+-K+-Mg2+ salt was good. No metabolic or other side effects could be detected while the salt was being used. Na+-K+-Mg2+ salt was associated with a fall in blood pressure in drug-treated hypertensive patients, a rise in serum magnesium and in previously low serum potassium concentrations, a fall in raised fasting blood glucose levels, and an improvement in oral glucose tolerance. The results demonstrate that a considerable part of the NaCl in common table salt could be replaced by potassium and magnesium salts without causing potassium or magnesium toxicity. The results also lend support to the concept that an increase in potassium and magnesium intake and a decrease in sodium intake may have beneficial effects in a substantial number of people.