Understanding Redmond Real Salt's Purity
Redmond Real Salt is a popular choice for health-conscious consumers due to its unrefined nature and mineral content. To understand the topic of aluminum, it is crucial to first appreciate what makes this salt different from conventional table salt. Mined in Utah, Redmond Real Salt is harvested from a pristine ancient seabed, which has been protected from modern-day pollution for millions of years. This means it hasn't been exposed to the modern-day pollutants that can sometimes contaminate sea salt harvested from today's oceans.
The Source and Production of Real Salt
The salt deposit, located near Redmond, Utah, was formed from the Sundance Sea, which covered the area in prehistoric times. As the ancient seabed was dried up and covered by volcanic ash, it was sealed from the elements, preserving its natural state. Unlike heavily processed and bleached table salt, Real Salt is harvested and brought to market with minimal processing. The mining process involves excavating the salt from underground tunnels, crushing it, and screening it for size. No additives, anti-caking agents, or chemicals are used to alter its composition or color. The characteristic pinkish color comes from over 60 naturally occurring trace minerals, which are retained due to this minimal processing.
Naturally Occurring Aluminosilicates
So, does Redmond Real Salt have aluminum? The short answer is yes, but not in the form most people associate with aluminum toxicity. The aluminum found in Real Salt is in the form of naturally occurring aluminosilicate. Aluminosilicate is an inert mineral compound that is very different from the elemental, metallic aluminum used in human-made products like foil and antiperspirants. In fact, aluminum is the third most abundant element in the Earth's crust, meaning trace amounts are unavoidable and found naturally in soil, water, and many foods we consume daily.
The Difference Between Forms of Aluminum
The form of an element is critical to understanding its effect on the body. For example, elemental sodium is a highly reactive metal, but when bonded with chlorine, it forms the stable compound sodium chloride, or table salt. The same logic applies to aluminum. The elemental, metallic form can be harmful in high doses, but the inert, naturally occurring aluminosilicates found in Real Salt are generally considered safe. The human body is equipped to handle the tiny trace amounts of these natural compounds found in food.
Quantity and Safety: What the Experts Say
According to Redmond, the amount of naturally occurring aluminosilicates in Real Salt is approximately 0.05%. For context, a ¼ teaspoon serving contains about 0.7 mg of aluminum. This is a very small quantity compared to the provisional tolerable weekly intake level set by the World Health Organization. The average adult would need to consume an excessive amount of Real Salt—far beyond daily recommendations—to come close to this limit. This makes Real Salt an insignificant dietary source of aluminum for most individuals.
Real Salt vs. Conventional Table Salt
To highlight the distinction, here is a comparison of Redmond Real Salt with a typical conventional table salt.
| Feature | Redmond Real Salt | Conventional Table Salt |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Ancient, protected inland seabed in Utah. | Mined from salt deposits or evaporated from seawater. |
| Processing | Minimally processed; crushed and screened. | Heavily processed; heat-processed, bleached, and stripped of minerals. |
| Additives | Additive-free. | Often contains anti-caking agents like calcium silicate and sometimes dextrose. |
| Trace Minerals | Retains 60+ naturally occurring trace minerals. | Most trace minerals are stripped during refining. |
| Aluminum | Trace amounts of natural aluminosilicate. | May contain anti-caking agents that include aluminum compounds. |
| Flavor | Subtle and sweet due to mineral content. | Strong, simple salty flavor. |
A Look at Real Salt's Full Mineral Profile
Beyond just aluminosilicate, Real Salt contains a complex of trace minerals that contribute to its unique taste and color. An analysis reveals the presence of over 60 elements. This diverse mineral profile is a key reason for its popularity, as it is considered a more complete and natural form of salt than its refined counterparts. Some of the notable minerals include:
- Calcium: Essential for bone health and muscle function.
- Magnesium: Plays a role in nerve and muscle function and bone health.
- Potassium: Important for maintaining proper fluid balance.
- Iron: Gives the salt its characteristic reddish-pink hue.
- Zinc: An essential trace element for various bodily functions.
- Sulfur: Important for joint function and metabolic health.
What About Heavy Metals?
As with any naturally-mined mineral product, questions about heavy metals can arise. Redmond has addressed this by confirming they test their salt regularly for safety and would never sell a product that was not properly tested. They provide mineral analyses to customers who request them for full transparency. The company emphasizes that the protective layers of volcanic ash have shielded the salt deposit from many modern pollutants that affect ocean-harvested salts today.
The Bottom Line: Does Redmond Real Salt Have Aluminum?
Yes, Redmond Real Salt does have aluminum, but only in the form of safe, naturally occurring aluminosilicates, which are an inert mineral compound. It does not contain added elemental aluminum or anti-caking agents that use aluminum, unlike some conventional salts. The amount of aluminum present is in safe trace quantities, similar to what is found naturally in many other foods and the environment. The form and quantity are the crucial factors. The aluminum compound in Real Salt is chemically different and not considered harmful in the context of normal dietary intake. For those seeking an unrefined, additive-free salt with a robust mineral profile, Redmond Real Salt is a transparently sourced option with a minimal environmental footprint.
For additional information on aluminum salts and human health, you can refer to sources like Health Canada on Aluminum Salts.
