Difference between Sea Salt and Table Salt Sea salt and table salt differ in their type of processing. Table salt is mined from underground salt deposits, and typically needs heavy processing in order to eliminate minerals. Sea salt on the other hand is produced as a result of evaporation of ocean water or water from saltwater lakes and normally requires less processing (Mayo Clinic, 2013).
Regarding sodium concentration, The American Heart Association states that there is a slight difference between sea salt and table salt, both contain approximately 40% of sodium per weight. Nevertheless, some sea salts or kosher salts, may have bigger crystal sizes, therefore they may contain less sodium per volume (AHA, n.d.).
The majority of table salt has added iodine, which is an essential nutrient in our diet because our body doesn’t produce it, and it is needed for the production of thyroid hormone (Mayo Clinic, 2013). Hypothyroidism, the enlargement of the thyroid gland, is a consequence of iodine deficiency. With the introduction of iodized salt as a treatment for iodine deficiency, “goiter belt” was eliminated in parts of North America. Furthermore, iodine deficiency remains a matter of public health globally, mainly because the low availability of iodine in the diet. The Recommended Daily Intake (RDA) of iodine is 150 µg per day for adult men and women, 220 µg per day for pregnant women, and 290 µg for women who are breastfeeding. One tablespoon of iodized table salt provides 400 µg of iodine (ATA, 2014).
Labelling requirements of Sea Salt
In Canada, the common name “sea salt” may be used to refer to processed salt that comes from an actual sea, and doesn’t have to meet the standard for salt (i.e. does not have to be ionized). When sea salt is used as sea salt for table or general house use, it must meet the prescribed standard for salt (CFIA, 2015).
References American Heart Association (n.d.). Sea Salt vs Table Salt: What's the difference between sea salt and table salt?. Retrieved March 16, 2016, from http://sodiumbreakup.heart.org/sodium-411/sea-salt-vs-table-salt/
American Thyroid Association (2014). Iodine Deficiency. Retrieved March 16, 2016, from http://www.thyroid.org/iodine-deficiency/
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (2015). Common Name- Labelling Requirements for Salt and Salt Substitutes. Health Canada. Retrieved March 16, 2016, from http://www.inspection.gc.ca/food/labelling/food-labelling-for-industry/salt/eng/1391790253201/1391795959629?chap=2#s2c2
Mayo Clinic (2013). What's the difference between sea salt and table salt?. Retrieved March 16, 2016, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/sea-salt/faq-20058512