U.S. patent application number 13/756059 was filed with the patent office on 2013-06-06 for low sodium salt compositions and methods of preparation.
This patent application is currently assigned to Exportadora de Sal, S.A. de C.V.. The applicant listed for this patent is Juan Antonio Flores Z niga. Invention is credited to Juan Antonio Flores Z niga.
Application Number | 20130142910 13/756059 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39741900 |
Filed Date | 2013-06-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130142910 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Flores Z niga; Juan
Antonio |
June 6, 2013 |
LOW SODIUM SALT COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF PREPARATION
Abstract
Low sodium salt compositions containing a blend of sodium
chloride and one or more magnesium, sodium and potassium salts are
provided. Also provided are methods for making and using the
compositions. Further provided are food products containing the
compositions.
Inventors: |
Flores Z niga; Juan Antonio;
(Guerrero Negro, MX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Flores Z niga; Juan Antonio |
Guerrero Negro |
|
MX |
|
|
Assignee: |
Exportadora de Sal, S.A. de
C.V.
Guerrero Negro
MX
|
Family ID: |
39741900 |
Appl. No.: |
13/756059 |
Filed: |
January 31, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12941768 |
Nov 8, 2010 |
8372463 |
|
|
13756059 |
|
|
|
|
11715706 |
Mar 7, 2007 |
7854956 |
|
|
12941768 |
|
|
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
426/72 ; 426/322;
426/455; 426/456; 426/649 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C01D 3/08 20130101; A23L
27/40 20160801 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/72 ; 426/649;
426/455; 426/322; 426/456 |
International
Class: |
A23L 1/237 20060101
A23L001/237 |
Claims
1. A low sodium salt composition comprising a blend of about 15-80%
sodium chloride and about 20-85% double salt
3K.sub.2SO.sub.4.Na.sub.2SO.sub.4.
2. The low sodium salt composition of claim 1, wherein the
composition contains about 20-60% lower sodium than regular
salt.
3. The low sodium salt composition of claim 1, wherein the
composition contains about 5-35% sodium by the total weight of the
composition.
4. The composition of claims 1, wherein the composition contains
about 15, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 or 80% sodium
chloride by the total weight of the composition.
5. The composition of claims 1, wherein the composition contains
about 45% sodium chloride by the total weight of the
composition.
6. The composition of claims 1, wherein the composition contains
about 40, 45, 50, 55 or 60% 3K.sub.2SO.sub.4.Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 by
the total weight of the composition.
7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition further
contains an anti-caking agent.
8. The composition of claim 7, wherein the anti-caking agent is
sodium hexacyanoferrate (II).
9. The composition of claim 8, wherein the amount of sodium
hexacyanoferrate (II) is less than 20 ppm.
10. A low sodium salt composition comprising a blend of sodium
chloride, Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and K.sub.2SO.sub.4.
11. The low sodium salt composition of claim 10, wherein the
composition contains about 20-80% sodium chloride by the total
weight of the composition.
12. The low sodium salt composition of claim 10, wherein the
composition contains about 40, 45, 50, 55 or 60% sodium chloride by
the total weight of the composition.
13. The low sodium salt composition of claim 10, wherein the
composition contains about 0-20% Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 by the total
weight of the composition.
14. The low sodium salt composition of claim 10, wherein the
composition contains about 10, 11 or 12% Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 by the
total weight of the composition.
15. The low sodium salt composition of claim 10, wherein the
composition contains about 20-60% K.sub.2SO.sub.4 by the total
weight of the composition.
16. The low sodium salt composition of claim 10, wherein the
composition contains about 40, 43, 45 or 50% K.sub.2SO.sub.4 by the
total weight of the composition.
17. A process for preparing an anhydrous low sodium salt
composition comprising a blend of 3K.sub.2SO.sub.4.Na.sub.2SO.sub.4
and sodium chloride, wherein the process comprises: i) reacting
predominantly MgSO.sub.4.K.sub.2SO.sub.4.6H.sub.2O with potassium
chloride in natural water to obtain the low sodium salt
composition, ii) separating the low sodium salt composition, iii)
mixing the low sodium salt composition with an anti-caking agent
and iv) drying the low sodium salt composition.
18. The process of claim 17, wherein the anti-caking agent is
sodium hexaferrocyanate (II).
19. The process of claim 17, wherein the drying is carried out
between about 90 to 300.degree. C.
20. The process of claim 17, wherein the drying is carried out at
about 135.degree. C.
21. The process of claim 17 further comprising addition of sodium
chloride to the anhydrous low sodium salt composition.
22. A process for preparing an anhydrous low sodium salt
composition comprising blending of K.sub.2SO.sub.4,
Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and sodium chloride.
23. The process of claim 22, wherein the composition comprises
about 20-60% sodium chloride, 0-20% Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and 20-60%
K.sub.2SO.sub.4 by the total weight of the composition.
24. A process for preparing a low sodium salt composition
comprising predominantly 3K.sub.2SO.sub.4.Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, wherein
the process comprises i) reacting
MgSO.sub.4.K.sub.2SO.sub.4.6H.sub.2O with potassium chloride and
water to obtain a slurry, ii) agitating the slurry to obtain a
precipitate, and iii) filtering the precipitate to obtain the low
sodium salt composition.
25. The process of claim 24, wherein the agitating is continued for
about 2 hours.
26. The process of claim 24, wherein the low sodium salt
composition comprises about 60-90%
3K.sub.2SO.sub.4.Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and about 40-10% NaCl.
27. The process of claim 24, wherein the low sodium salt
composition comprises about 23% NaCl.
28. A process for preparing a low sodium salt composition
comprising 3K.sub.2SO.sub.4.Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, wherein the process
comprises i) reacting potassium sulfate, sodium sulfate, sodium
chloride and water to obtain a slurry, ii) agitating the slurry,
and iii) filtering the slurry to obtain the low sodium salt
composition.
29. The process of claim 28, wherein the agitating is continued for
about 1 hour.
30. The process of claim 28, wherein the low sodium salt
composition comprises about 60-90%
3K.sub.2SO.sub.4.Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and about 40-10% NaCl.
31. A process for preparing a low sodium salt composition
comprising 3K.sub.2SO.sub.4.Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, wherein the process
comprises i) dissolving MgSO.sub.4.K.sub.2SO.sub.4.6H.sub.2O in
water to obtain a solution, ii) cooling the solution to about 5 to
10.degree. C. to obtain a precipitate of
Na.sub.2SO.sub.4.10H.sub.2O, iii) filtering the precipitate to
obtain a filtrate, and iv) evaporating the filtrate to obtain the
low sodium salt composition.
32. The process of claim 31, wherein the evaporation is continued
till the Mg concentration reaches around 3% by weight.
33. The process of claim 31, wherein the low sodium salt
composition comprises about 60-90%
3K.sub.2SO.sub.4.Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and about 40-10% NaCl.
34. A food product comprising the low sodium salt composition of
claim 1.
35. The food product of claim 34, further comprising a dietary
supplement.
36. The food product of claim 35, wherein the dietary supplement is
a vitamin.
37. The food product of claim 34, further comprising a flavoring
agent.
Description
1. PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/941,768 filed Nov. 8, 2010, which is a
divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/715,706
filed Mar. 7, 2007, entitled "LOW SODIUM SALT COMPOSITIONS AND
METHODS OF PREPARATION AND USES THEREOF" to Juan Antonio Flores Z
niga. The disclosures of each of the above referenced applications
is incorporated by reference in their entireties.
2. FIELD
[0002] Provided herein are salty testing low sodium salt
compositions containing a blend of sodium chloride and one or more
magnesium, sodium and potassium salts, including sulfate, chloride
and double salts. Further provided are methods for preparing and
using the compositions.
3. BACKGROUND
[0003] Common salt, i.e. sodium chloride, is the additive most
frequently used in food and beverage preparation, both for
household and food industry use. It is necessary to consume a
certain amount of sodium ions and chloride ions to maintain the
salt balance of the body, but the intake of sodium chloride is
usually much larger than the minimum required.
[0004] The Food and Drug Administration recommends a daily, 500 mg
minimal and 2,400 mg maximal, sodium intake. Notwithstanding this
recommendation, the average American consumes more than 4,000 mg
per day, three-fourths of which comes from processed foodstuffs and
ingested nourishment. The American Public Health Association (APHA)
has proposed to reduce sodium content in processed foodstuffs by
50%. The APHA estimates the change could cut the number of
hypertension sufferers by 20 percent, eventually saving 150,000
lives a year.
[0005] A reduction of sodium intake is prescribed to patients with
diseases that affect the cardiovascular system because many of
these patients present altered renal capacities to excrete the
sodium.
[0006] Cardiac ischemic disease constitutes the foremost cause of
death in the Western world. Over 5 million people in the United
States alone are annually diagnosed with the disease. A reduction
in salt intake in patients with light cardiac insufficiency can
substantially improve measures against symptoms, facilitate the
activation of certain medication and, thus, ameliorate the quality
of life of the patients.
[0007] As per the Department of Medicine, Division of
Gastroenterology, University of Massachusetts Medical Center,
gastric cancer is the second most common cause of cancer relating
to mortality in the world. Detection of the disease commonly occurs
at an advanced stage and the overall survival rate is poor. Sodium
retains a positive correlation to the incidence of gastric cancer.
One of the recurrent findings from the medical testings performed
on patients with gastric cancer is that of elevated salt
intake.
[0008] In accordance with the National Heart, Lung and Blood
Institute (NHLBI), overweight individuals consume more calories and
more sodium. Consequently, they retain more sodium than individuals
who are not overweight. In addition, research conducted by the
NHLBI suggests an increase of 89% in mortality risk amongst
overweight adults, due to cerebral damage, for every additional 100
mmol of sodium ingested.
[0009] A diet consistent with high sodium intakes reduces the level
of nitric oxide and, in turn, augments the risk of undergoing
cardiac, vascular, renal and cerebral diseases.
[0010] A diet consistent with a low-sodium intake is beneficial to
the hypertensive, elderly, obese, salt sensitive, pregnant women,
children, Syndrome X patients-those afflicted by insulin
resistance, hyperinsulinism, abnormal intolerance to glucose,
arterial hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, and low
HDL-cholesterol-as well as the overall population.
[0011] Further, several studies suggest that dietary potassium may
play a role in decreasing blood pressure. Potassium is also
involved in nerve function and muscle control. Increasing potassium
in the diet may protect against hypertension in people who are
sensitive to high levels of sodium.
[0012] Athletes also may need more potassium to replace that lost
from muscle during exercise and the smaller amount lost in sweat.
Low potassium can cause muscle cramping and cardiovascular
irregularities. Eating foods high in potassium can prevent these
symptoms.
[0013] In order to control the intake of sodium chloride, it has
been proposed to use various salt combinations, wherein sodium
chloride has been partially replaced by other salts, especially
potassium chloride. Replacement of sodium chloride by other
chemical compounds usually results in a taste deterioration.
[0014] It is therefore desirable to provide low sodium salt that
would reduce the sodium intake and increase the potassium intake
while preserving the salty taste.
4. SUMMARY
[0015] Provided herein are salty tasting low sodium salt
compositions. In certain embodiments, the compositions contain
about 20-80% lower sodium than regular salt. The compositions
provided herein contain a blend of sodium chloride and one or more
magnesium, sodium and potassium salts. In one embodiment, the salts
are sulfate salts. In another embodiment, the low sodium salt
compositions include potassium chloride. In another embodiment, the
low sodium salt compositions provided herein do not contain
magnesium chloride. In one aspect, the compositions contain a blend
of the component salts, including double salts.
[0016] In certain embodiments, the compositions are hydrated low
sodium salt compositions that contain sodium chloride and
predominantly hydrated double salt schoenite,
MgSO.sub.4.K.sub.2SO.sub.4.6H.sub.2O. In one aspect, the two salts
are blended in the composition. In certain embodiments, the
compositions do not contain magnesium chloride. In certain
embodiments, the compositions do not contain potassium chloride. In
one aspect, the amount of sodium chloride in the hydrated
compositions is between about 5 to about 70% by weight of the total
composition. In one aspect, the amount of sodium chloride in the
hydrated compositions is between about 10 to about 80% by weight of
the total composition. In one aspect, the amount of sodium chloride
in the hydrated compositions is between about 10 to about 30% by
weight of the total composition.
[0017] In other embodiments, the compositions provided herein are
anhydrous low sodium salt compositions that contain sodium chloride
and predominantly anhydrous double salt glaserite,
3K.sub.2SO.sub.4.Na.sub.2SO.sub.4. In one aspect, the two salts are
blended in the composition. In certain embodiments, the
compositions do not contain any MgSO.sub.4. In one aspect, the
amount of sodium chloride in the anhydrous compositions is between
about 25 to about 60% by weight of the total composition.
[0018] In certain embodiments, the composition provided herein is a
blend of NaCl, Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and K.sub.2SO.sub.4. In other
embodiments, the composition provided herein is a blend of NaCl,
K.sub.2SO.sub.4 and MgSO.sub.4 salt.
[0019] In certain embodiments, the low sodium salt compositions
provided herein contain all naturally occurring salts. In other
embodiments, the low sodium salt compositions herein contain a
combination of natural and manufactured components.
[0020] Further provided are methods for preparing the compositions.
In one aspect, the methods involve evaporation of sea water bittern
and terminal lake bitterns to obtain a mixed salt containing
kainite (K.sub.2SO.sub.4.MgSO.sub.4.MgCl.sub.2.6H.sub.2O) and
sodium chloride. Magnesium chloride is leached out from the mixed
salt with natural water, such as sea water to obtain a mixture of
schoenite (K.sub.2SO.sub.4.MgSO.sub.4.6H.sub.2O) and sodium
chloride. This mixture is further reacted with potassium chloride
and natural water, such as sea water to remove MgSO.sub.4 to obtain
anhydrous glaserite (3K.sub.2SO.sub.4.Na.sub.2SO.sub.4) and sodium
chloride.
[0021] In certain embodiments, the anhydrous low sodium salt
compositions provided herein are obtained by blending
K.sub.2SO.sub.4, Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and NaCl in a blend.
[0022] In certain embodiments, the anhydrous low sodium salt
compositions provided herein are obtained by reacting
K.sub.2SO.sub.4 and Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 to form glaserite double salt
and blended with NaCl to obtain a blend of component salts.
[0023] The hydrated and anhydrous low sodium salt compositions
provided herein can be used as salt substitutes in food products or
as table salt in the salt shaker for tabletop use for sprinkling on
prepared foods. In a further embodiment, a food product containing
a low sodium salt is provided herein.
5. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 provides a flow diagram for in situ dissolution of
Kainite mineral, K.sub.2SO.sub.4.MgSO.sub.4.MgCl.sub.2.6H.sub.2O
with sea water. As seen in the flow diagram, sea water is
introduced into the pond containing kainite, to bring about the
dissolution. The solution is transferred to a settling pond to
affect the removal of the mud and concentrate at the same time to
obtain saturated solution. The saturated solution is then solar
evaporated to precipitate schoenite,
MgSO.sub.4.K.sub.2SO.sub.4.6H.sub.2O.
[0025] FIG. 2 provides a flow diagram for the production of low
sodium sea salt from schoenite harvest in the process of FIG. 1
involving the steps of milling, counter current washing to obtain
schoenite, solid liquid separation followed by the addition of
anticaking agent YPS, drying and dossification with sodium chloride
to provide low sodium sea salt.
6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] Provided herein are low sodium salt compositions containing
a blend of sodium chloride and one or more other salts. In certain
embodiment, the low sodium salt compositions herein provide the
same salty taste as regular sodium chloride. Also provided are
methods of making the compositions. Further provided are food
products containing the compositions.
6.1 Definitions
[0027] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one
of ordinary skill in the art. All patents, applications, published
applications and other publications are incorporated by reference
in their entirety. In the event that there are a plurality of
definitions for a term herein, those in this section prevail unless
stated otherwise.
[0028] As used herein, natural water or water refers to water from
any natural source, such as ocean, sea, brackish, lakes, such as
salt lake or regular underground water.
[0029] As used herein, kainite refers to a hydrated salt
predominantly containing
K.sub.2SO.sub.4.MgSO.sub.4.MgCl.sub.2.6H.sub.2O.
[0030] As used herein, schoenite refers to a hydrated salt
predominantly containing K.sub.2SO.sub.4.MgSO.sub.4.6H.sub.2O.
[0031] As used herein, glaserite refers to an anhydrous salt
predominantly containing 3K.sub.2SO.sub.4.Na.sub.2SO.sub.4.
[0032] As used herein, harvesting refers to collecting salts from
the pond.
[0033] As used herein, bitterns refer to concentrated magnesium
water or brine remaining after sodium chloride has been
precipitated.
[0034] As used herein, pond refers to a ground area confined by
dykes from all sides to contain water, bitterns or salts obtained
at various stages in the methods provided herein.
[0035] As used herein, predominantly refers to more than about 50%.
In one embodiment, predominantly refers to at least 55%, 60%, 65%,
70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100%. For example, "schoenite
predominantly containing K.sub.2SO.sub.4.MgSO.sub.4.6H.sub.2O"
means the amount of K.sub.2SO.sub.4.MgSO.sub.4.6H.sub.2O double
salt in schoenite is more than about 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%,
80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100%. In another example, "glaserite
predominantly containing 3K.sub.2SO.sub.4.Na.sub.2SO.sub.4" means
the amount of 3K.sub.2SO.sub.4.Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 double salt in
glaserite is more than about 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%,
85%, 90%, 95% or 100%.
[0036] As used herein, "dietary supplement" refers to any product
that contains a "dietary ingredient" intended to supplement the
diet. The "dietary ingredients" in these products may include:
vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, and
substances such as enzymes, organ tissues, glandulars, and
metabolites. Dietary supplements can also be extracts or
concentrates.
6.2 Compositions
[0037] Provided herein are low sodium salt compositions. In one
embodiment, the compositions provided herein contain a blend of
sodium chloride and one or more sodium, magnesium and potassium
salts or double salts. In certain embodiments, the compositions
contain about 20-80% lower sodium than regular salt. In one
embodiment, the compositions contain about 25%, 30%, 35%, 45%, 50%,
55%, 60%, 70%, 75% or 80% lower sodium than regular salt. In one
embodiment, the compositions contain about 30%, 32%, 34%, 35%, 37%,
39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49% or 50% lower
sodium than regular salt.
[0038] In certain embodiments, the compositions contain about 5-35%
sodium by the total weight of the composition. In one embodiment,
the compositions contain about 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 or 25%
sodium by the total weight of the composition. In one embodiment,
the compositions contain about 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25,
26, 27, 28, 29 or 30% sodium by the total weight of the
composition. In one embodiment, the compositions contain about 21%,
21.12%, 21.78%, 22%, 23% or 25% sodium by the total weight of the
composition.
[0039] In certain embodiments the compositions are hydrated low
sodium salt compositions that contain sodium chloride and a
hydrated double salt schoenite,
MgSO.sub.4.K.sub.2SO.sub.4.6H.sub.2O. The components are blended in
the composition. In one embodiment, the compositions do not contain
any MgCl.sub.2.
[0040] In certain embodiments, the amount of sodium chloride in the
hydrated low sodium salt composition is between about 10 to about
80% by weight of the total composition. In certain embodiments, the
amount of sodium chloride in the hydrated low sodium salt
composition is between about 70% to about 40% by weight of the
total composition. In certain embodiments, the amount of sodium
chloride in the hydrated low sodium salt composition is between
about 10 to about 40% by weight of the total composition. In
certain embodiments, the amount of sodium chloride in the hydrated
low sodium salt composition is about 10, 12, 15, 17, 20, 22, 25, 27
or 30% by weight of the total composition. In certain embodiments,
the amount of sodium chloride in the hydrated low sodium salt
composition is about 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20% by weight of the
total composition. In one embodiment, the amount of sodium chloride
in the hydrated low sodium salt composition is about 17% by weight
of the total composition.
[0041] In certain embodiments, the amount of schoenite in the
hydrated low sodium salt composition is between about 20 to about
90% by weight of the total composition. In certain embodiments, the
amount of schoenite in the hydrated low sodium salt composition is
between about 30 to about 60% by weight of the total composition.
In certain embodiments, the amount of schoenite in the hydrated low
sodium salt composition is between about 60 to about 90% by weight
of the total composition. In certain embodiments, the amount of
schoenite in the hydrated low sodium salt composition is about 70,
73, 75, 78, 80, 83, 85, 88 or 90% by weight of the total
composition. In certain embodiments, the amount of schoenite in the
hydrated low sodium salt composition is about 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 or
85% by weight of the total composition. In one embodiment, the
amount of schoenite in the hydrated low sodium salt composition is
about 83% by weight of the total composition.
[0042] In certain embodiments, the moisture content in the hydrated
low sodium salt is between about 0.25 to about 3% by weight of the
salt. In certain embodiments, the moisture content is about 0.5, 1,
1.5, 2, 2.5 or 3% of the total weight.
[0043] In other embodiments, the compositions provided herein are
anhydrous low sodium salt compositions that contain sodium chloride
and anhydrous double salt glaserite,
3K.sub.2SO.sub.4.Na.sub.2SO.sub.4. The components are blended in
the composition. In certain embodiments, the compositions do not
contain any MgSO.sub.4. In one aspect, the amount of sodium
chloride in the anhydrous low sodium salt compositions is between
about 15 to about 80% by weight of the total composition. In one
aspect, the amount of sodium chloride in the anhydrous low sodium
salt compositions is about 15, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65,
70, 75 or 80% by weight of the total composition. In one aspect,
the amount of sodium chloride in the anhydrous low sodium salt
compositions is about 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 or 60% by weight of
the total composition. In one aspect, the amount of sodium chloride
in the anhydrous low sodium salt compositions is about 40, 45 or
50% by weight of the total composition.
[0044] In one aspect, the amount of anhydrous double salt glaserite
in the low sodium salt compositions is between about 20 to about
85% by weight of the total composition. In one aspect, the amount
of anhydrous double salt glaserite in the low sodium salt
compositions is about 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70,
75, 80 or 85% by weight of the total composition. In one aspect,
the amount of anhydrous double salt glaserite in the low sodium
salt compositions is about 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70, 80 or 85% by
weight of the total composition. In one aspect, the amount of
anhydrous double salt glaserite in the low sodium salt compositions
is about 70, 80 or 85% by weight of the total composition.
[0045] The anhydrous low sodium salt contains less that 0.5%
moisture. In one embodiment, the anhydrous low sodium salt contains
less that 0.40, 0.35, 0.30, 0.25, 0.20, 0.15 or 0.10% moisture.
[0046] In certain embodiments, the composition provided herein is a
blend of NaCl, K.sub.2SO.sub.4 and Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 salt. In other
embodiments, the composition provided herein is a blend of NaCl,
MgSO.sub.4 and K.sub.2SO.sub.4. In one embodiment, the amount of
sodium chloride in such compositions is between about 20 to about
80% by weight of the total composition. In one embodiment, the
amount of sodium chloride in such compositions is between about 20
to about 60% by weight of the total composition. In certain
embodiments, the amount of sodium chloride in such compositions is
about 20, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 or 60% by weight of the total
composition. In one embodiment, the amount of sodium chloride in
such compositions is about 40, 45, 50, 55 or 60% by weight of the
total composition.
[0047] In one embodiment, the amount of Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 in such
compositions is between about 0 to about 20% by weight of the total
composition. In one embodiment, the amount of Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 in
such compositions is between about 5 to about 20% by weight of the
total composition. In certain embodiments, the amount of
Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 in such compositions is about 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14,
16, 18 or 20% by weight of the total composition. In one
embodiment, the amount of Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 in such compositions is
about 10, 11 or 12% by weight of the total composition.
[0048] In one embodiment, the amount of K.sub.2SO.sub.4 in such
compositions is between about 20 to about 60% by weight of the
total composition. In certain embodiments, the amount of
K.sub.2SO.sub.4 in such compositions is about 20, 25, 30, 35, 40,
45, 50, 55 or 60% by weight of the total composition. In one
embodiment, the amount of K.sub.2SO.sub.4 in such compositions is
about 35, 37, 40, 43, 45, 47 or 50% by weight of the total
composition. In one embodiment, the amount of K.sub.2SO.sub.4 in
such compositions is about 40, 43, 45 or 50% by weight of the total
composition.
[0049] In one embodiment, the amount of MgSO.sub.4 in such
compositions is between about 0 to about 20% by weight of the total
composition. In one embodiment, the amount of MgSO.sub.4 in such
compositions is between about 5 to about 20% by weight of the total
composition. In certain embodiments, the amount of MgSO.sub.4 in
such compositions is about 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18 or 20% by
weight of the total composition. In one embodiment, the amount of
MgSO.sub.4 in such compositions is about 10, 11 or 12% by weight of
the total composition.
[0050] In one embodiment the low sodium salt composition provided
herein contains a blend of sodium chloride, a double salt
MgSO.sub.4.K.sub.2SO.sub.4.6H.sub.2O and KCl. In one embodiment,
the amount of sodium chloride is about 20-50%. In another
embodiment, the amount of sodium chloride is about 30%. In one
embodiment, the amount of MgSO.sub.4.K.sub.2SO.sub.4.6H.sub.2O is
about 20-50%. In another embodiment, the amount of
MgSO.sub.4.K.sub.2SO.sub.4.6H.sub.2O is about 30%. In one
embodiment, the amount of potassium chloride is about 20-50%. In
another embodiment, the amount of potassium chloride is about 30%.
In one embodiment, the low sodium salt composition contains equal
amounts of sodium chloride, MgSO.sub.4.K.sub.2SO.sub.4.6H.sub.2O
and potassium chloride. In one embodiment, the amount of sodium
chloride is about 33%, MgSO.sub.4.K.sub.2SO.sub.4.6H.sub.2O is
about 33% and potassium chloride is about 33%.
[0051] In certain embodiments, the anhydrous low sodium salt
composition further contains an anti-caking agent. The anti-caking
agents are added to provide a free-flowing product. Exemplary
anti-caking agents include, but are not limited to sodium
hexacyanoferrate (II) (YPS), potassium hexacyanoferrate (II)
trihydrate (also known as potassium ferrocyanide or YPP),
tricalcium phosphate and magnesium carbonate. In another
embodiment, anti-caking agents include silicates, propylene glycol
and polyvinyl alcohol. In one embodiment, the anti-caking agent is
YPS. The anti-caking agent can be added in an amount sufficient to
prevent formation of lumps or to keep the composition in free
flowing form. In certain embodiments, the amount of anti-caking
agent YPS added to the composition is less that about 20 ppm by
weight. In certain embodiments, the amount of anti-caking agent YPS
added to the composition is less that about 20, 18 or 15 ppm by
weight.
[0052] In certain embodiments, the low sodium salt compositions
provided herein optionally contain other ingredients typically
present in table salt and salt substitute products. Other suitable
ingredients include iodide sources, flavors and flavor enhancers.
An exemplary iodide source is KI, in certain embodiments, with
dextrose as a stabilizer. In one embodiment, flavor enhancers
include monosodium glutamate (MSG), meat extracts, protein
hydrolysates, hydrolyzed vegetable protein (hvp), autolyzed yeast,
and mononucleotide salts such as 5'-inosine monophosphate and
5'-guanidine monophosphate.
6.3 Methods of Preparation
[0053] The compositions provided herein can be prepared from sea
water, lake water, brackish or underground water, sea water bittern
or lake bitterns or by blending of the various salt components. In
one aspect, the methods of preparation involve evaporation of
natural waters, including sea water, lake water, brackish or
underground water, sea water bittern or lake bitterns, to obtain a
mixed salt containing kainite
(K.sub.2SO.sub.4.MgSO.sub.4.MgCl.sub.2.6H.sub.2O) and sodium
chloride. This mixed salt is used as the starting feed block for
the hydrous and anhydrous low sodium salt compositions. In certain
embodiments, kainite starts precipitating when the bitterns reach
magnesium concentration of about 6% by weight. In certain
embodiments, kainite precipitates when the magnesium concentration
of the bitterns is between about 6% to about 8% by weight. In
certain embodiments, kainite precipitates when the magnesium
concentration of the bitterns is about 6%, 7% or 8% by weight.
[0054] Kainite and sodium chloride mixed salt is dissolved in sea
water or salt lake water and the resulting solution is allowed to
stand till insoluble impurities settle and a clear solution is
obtained. In certain embodiments, the magnesium concentration in
the clear solution is about 2-4% by weight. In certain embodiments,
the magnesium concentration in the clear solution is about 2, 3 or
4% by weight. In one embodiment, the magnesium concentration in the
clear solution is about 3% by weight.
[0055] The clear solution is further evaporated to precipitate
schoenite, MgSO.sub.4.K.sub.2SO.sub.4.6H.sub.2O and sodium chloride
mixed salt. In certain embodiments, schoenite and sodium chloride
mixed salt precipitates when concentration of magnesium in the
solution is between about 3-5% by weight. In certain embodiments,
schoenite and sodium chloride mixed salt precipitates when
concentration of magnesium in the solution is about 3, 4 or 5% by
weight. The schoenite precipitate is harvested and milled to obtain
the desired crystal size. The milled schoenite is subjected to
counter current washing to remove the MgCl.sub.2 entrapped
solution. The hydrous low sodium salt recovered at the end of the
washing step is ready to be used in the food products.
[0056] In one aspect, the hydrated low sodium salt is further
washed and centrifuged to remove solution. The centrifuged cake is
sprayed with a solution of anti-caking agent, such as YPS.
[0057] In one embodiment, provided herein is a process for
preparing an anhydrous low sodium salt composition containing a
blend of 3K.sub.2SO.sub.4.Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and sodium chloride by
reacting predominantly MgSO.sub.4.K.sub.2SO.sub.4.6H.sub.2O with
potassium chloride in sea water or salt lake water and filtering
the low sodium salt composition. The mixture is then dried to
obtain free flowing anhydrous low sodium salt composition
containing predominantly glaserite and sodium chloride. The mixture
can be dried with hot air or flue gases. In one embodiment, the
mixture is dried at up to 300.degree. C. or more. In certain
embodiments, the mixture is dried with at about 100.degree. C.,
110.degree. C., 120.degree. C., 130.degree. C., 135.degree. C.,
140.degree. C., 150.degree. C., 170.degree. C., 190.degree. C.,
200.degree. C. or 250.degree. C. In one embodiment, the mixture is
dried with hot air or flue gases at about 135.degree. C. In certain
embodiments, the anhydrous low sodium salt obtained by this process
is further mixed with table salt to obtain the desired ratio of
sodium chloride in the composition.
[0058] In certain embodiments, the hydrated low sodium salt
composition is dried using a fluid bed dryer, including vibrating
fluid bed dryer at temperatures ranging from about 110-150.degree.
C.
[0059] In certain embodiment, the schoenite is subjected to a two
step counter current reaction process with potassium chloride and
sea water to obtain glaserite and sodium chloride solution. This
mixture is then washed and centrifuged to separate solids and
solution. The centrifuged cake is mixed with anti-caking agent,
such as YPS solution and dried. In certain embodiments, the
anhydrous low sodium salt obtained by this process is further mixed
with table salt to obtain the desired ratio of sodium chloride in
the composition.
[0060] In certain embodiments, the anhydrous low sodium salt
composition provided herein is obtained by blending
K.sub.2SO.sub.4, Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and NaCl in a blend.
[0061] In certain embodiments, the anhydrous low sodium salt
composition provided herein is obtained by reacting K.sub.2SO.sub.4
and Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 to provide glaserite and blended with NaCl in
a blend.
[0062] In one embodiment, provided herein is a process for
preparing a low sodium salt composition containing predominantly
MgSO.sub.4.K.sub.2SO.sub.4.6H.sub.2O by mixing kainite and water to
obtain a slurry, agitating the slurry to obtain a precipitate, and
filtering the precipitate to obtain the low sodium salt
composition. In some embodiments, the agitating is continued for
about 1-2 or about 1 hour.
[0063] In one embodiment, provided herein is a process for
preparing a low sodium salt composition containing predominantly
3K.sub.2SO.sub.4.Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 by reacting
MgSO.sub.4.K.sub.2SO.sub.4.6H.sub.2O with potassium chloride and
water to obtain a slurry, agitating the slurry to obtain a
precipitate, and filtering and drying the precipitate to obtain the
low sodium salt composition. In some embodiments, the agitating is
continued for about 2 hours.
[0064] In some embodiments, the process provided herein is for
preparing a low sodium salt composition containing
3K.sub.2SO.sub.4.Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 by reacting potassium sulfate,
sodium sulfate, sodium chloride in water to obtain a slurry,
agitating the slurry, and filtering the slurry to obtain the low
sodium salt composition. In some embodiments, the agitating is
continued for about 1-2 or about 1 hour.
[0065] In one embodiment, provided herein is a process for
preparing a low sodium salt composition containing
3K.sub.2SO.sub.4.Na.sub.2SO.sub.4, wherein the process involves
dissolving MgSO.sub.4.K.sub.2SO.sub.4.6H.sub.2O in water, including
water from any natural source, such as ocean, sea, brackish, lakes,
such as salt lake or regular underground water, to obtain a
solution, cooling the solution to about 5-10.degree. C. to obtain a
precipitate of Na.sub.2SO.sub.4.10H.sub.2O (also known as Glauber
Salt), filtering the precipitate to obtain a filtrate and
evaporating the filtrate to obtain a low sodium salt composition.
In one embodiment, the evaporation is continued till the Mg
concentration reaches around 3% by weight. In one embodiment, the
low sodium salt composition obtained in the process contains about
60-90% 3K.sub.2SO.sub.4.Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and about 40-10% NaCl.
6.4 Methods of Use
[0066] The hydrated and anhydrous low sodium salt provided herein
can be used as a salt substitute in food products or as a table
salt in the salt shaker for tabletop use for sprinkling on prepared
foods. Additionally, the low sodium salt compositions provided
herein can be used in commercial food manufacturing processes, for
example, to salt the processed foods. Representative foods include
soups, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, cheese, breads, snack
foods, such as potato chips, pretzels, peanuts, seeds, corn chips,
tortilla chips, crackers and bread sticks. The low sodium salt
compositions are applied to the foods in amounts sufficient to
provide the saltiness desired. In a further embodiment, a food
product containing a low sodium salt is provided herein. The food
product containing the low sodium salt can further contain dietary
supplements or flavoring agents.
7. EXAMPLES
7.1 Example 1
Production of Low Sodium Salt Composition from Sea Water
[0067] Kainite Production
[0068] Sea water was pumped from the sea into open earth ponds
where the water was subjected to solar evaporation. The sea water
in the ponds contained water and salts in the following
amounts:
TABLE-US-00001 Wt % Ca 0.05 Mg 0.15 K 0.05 Na 1.26 SO.sub.4 0.32 Cl
2.28 H.sub.2O 95.88
[0069] The solar evaporation of sea water was conducted in two
stages. The first stage was the concentration stage in which the
evaporation was continued till water reached saturation, at which
point sodium chloride started to crystallize and precipitate. The
second stage was crystallization stage in which sodium chloride
precipitated. At this stage the evaporation was continued till
magnesium concentration reached 3%. The sea water bitterns with 3%
magnesium were transferred to a another solar evaporation pond and
evaporation was continued. The precipitate obtained at this stage
was low quality sodium chloride, suitable for use in, for example,
deicing roads in winter. The evaporation was continued till
magnesium concentration in the bitterns reached 5% at which point
the bitterns were transferred to another solar evaporation pond. At
this stage, magnesium sulfate mixed with sodium chloride
precipitated (in about 50/50 ratio).
[0070] The remaining bitterns with 6% magnesium were transferred to
the next solar evaporation pond to continue further evaporation. At
this stage, kainite (MgSO.sub.4.KCl.3H.sub.2O) and sodium chloride
mixture started to precipitate. The precipitation was allowed to
continue till the magnesium concentration in the bitterns reached
8%.
[0071] The kainite-sodium chloride mixture obtained served as a
starting feed block for the hydrous and anhydrous low sodium sea
salt. The mixture had the following composition (amounts in weight
%):
TABLE-US-00002 Insoluble 1.00 Mg 7.72 K 11.65 Na 8.10 SO.sub.4
29.13 Cl 22.46 H.sub.2O 19.94
[0072] The kainite precipitate was in the form of a bed of
crystals. The pond was filled with sea water to dissolve kainite.
The sea water had the following composition:
TABLE-US-00003 Ca 0.05 Mg 0.15 K 0.05 Na 1.26 SO.sub.4 0.32 Cl 2.28
H.sub.2O 95.88
[0073] The dissolution of the kainite-NaCl mixture continued for
several weeks till the following composition was reached (amounts
in weight %):
TABLE-US-00004 Mg 2.76 K 2.78 Na 4.63 SO.sub.4 7.86 Cl 11.97
H.sub.2O 70.00 Insoluble 0.77
[0074] The kainite-sodium chloride solution was transferred to a
holding pond to settle the insoluble impurities. The clear kainite
solution (containing about 3% magnesium) was transferred to the
next evaporation pond. The clear solution had the following
composition (amounts in weight %):
TABLE-US-00005 Mg 3.03 K 3.05 Na 5.07 SO.sub.4 8.62 Cl 13.13
H.sub.2O 67.09
[0075] Further solar evaporation of the clear solution yielded
precipitate of schoenite (MgSO.sub.4.K.sub.2SO.sub.4.6H.sub.2O) and
sodium chloride. The evaporation process was continued in this pond
till the magnesium ion concentration reached 5% by weight.
[0076] Schoenite Harvesting
[0077] The hard crystal bed of schoenite was broken by a cutting
machine. Any other suitable cutting machine known to one of skill
in the art could be used for this purpose. The schoenite crystals
were broken to the desired size and stock piled with the use of
regular heavy equipment, such as motor graders and so forth.
[0078] Schoenite Milling and Washing
[0079] The harvested schoenite was trucked and fed to the milling
plant where the schoenite was milled to insure homogenous crystal
size of the product. The milled schoenite was washed in a counter
current wash leg to remove mother liquor. The washed schoenite was
subjected to a centrifugation step to remove liquids. The wet
centrifuge cake was dried at low temperature to obtain the hydrated
low sodium salt. The hydrated low sodium salt had the following
composition:
TABLE-US-00006 Mg 2.97 K 9.53 Na 21.84 SO.sub.4 23.47 Cl 33.66
H.sub.2O 8.53
[0080] The schoenite-NaCl mixture thus obtained contained 21.78%
sodium as compared to 39.32% in regular salt. The hydrated low
sodium salt prepared by this process contained 44.6% lower sodium
than regular salt.
[0081] The hydrated low sodium salt was subjected to further
processing steps as follows to obtain anhydrous low sodium salt
composition.
[0082] Addition of Anti-caking Agent
[0083] Anti-caking agent YPS was added in solution form to the
centrifuge cake. The amount of YPS used was less than 20 ppm by
weight.
[0084] Drying the Schoenite
[0085] The hydrous schoenite was dried after the addition of YPS
solution to remove moisture from the mixture. In the process of
drying, part or all of the six moles of H.sub.2O constituting the
schoenite salt may be driven off to obtain the low moisture
schoenite.
[0086] Addition of NaCl.
[0087] Depending on the quality of the final product desired,
sodium chloride was added to schoenite to obtain the low moisture
low sodium salt composition containing predominantly schoenite and
sodium chloride.
7.2 Example 2
Preparation of Hydrated Low Sodium Salt, by Converting or
Processing Kainite to Schoenite
[0088] One kg of kainite obtained from sea water (as described in
example 1) was subjected to further processing in a laboratory
scale to obtain schoenite. One kilogram of kainite with the
following composition (weight percent) was used as a starting
material:
TABLE-US-00007 Insoluble 1.00 Mg 7.72 K 11.65 Na 8.10 SO.sub.4
29.13 H.sub.2O 19.94
[0089] The kainite was placed in a two liter beaker with 337 grams
of water. The mixture was agitated with an electrical agitator for
one hour at ambient temperature to obtain a slurry. The slurry was
filtered to provide a filter cake of hydrated low sodium salt
containing schoenite (520 grams, 83%) and NaCl (110 grams, 17%)
mixture (total yield: 630 gram).
[0090] The hydrated low sodium salt obtained had the following
composition.
TABLE-US-00008 Mg 5.14 K 14.67 Na 4.17 SO.sub.4 40.55 Cl 10.21
H.sub.2O 25.26
7.3 Example 3
Production of Glaserite from Schoenite
[0091] To a two liter beaker with 1.08 kg of water at ambient
temperature were introduced one kg of schoenite of the following
composition in wt %:
TABLE-US-00009 Mg 4.72 K 11.4 Na 11.5 SO.sub.4 32.41 Cl 17.73
H.sub.2O 22.4
[0092] 169 grams potassium chloride and 394 grams of sodium
chloride were added to the slurry of schoenite and water. The
slurry was agitated with an agitator for two hours at ambient
temperature. A precipitate containing glaserite and NaCl mixture
(737 grams) was filtered and dried. The dried low sodium salt had
the following composition:
TABLE-US-00010 K 17.62 Na 23.12 SO.sub.4 28.91 Cl 30.34
[0093] The filtrate (1.9 kg) had the following composition (in
weight %):
TABLE-US-00011 Mg 2.48 K 3.81 Na 5.22 SO.sub.4 5.83 Cl 14.35
H.sub.2O 68.30
[0094] The low sodium salt containing glaserite and NaCl mixture
had of 23.12% sodium as compared to 39.32% in regular salt, i.e.,
about 41% lower sodium than regular salt.
7.4 Example 4
Production of Glaserite
[0095] One kg potassium sulfate, 272 grams of sodium sulfate and
700 grams of sodium chloride were added to a beaker containing 1
liter water at ambient temperature. The mixture was agitated to
obtain a slurry with a following composition, (by weight
percent):
TABLE-US-00012 K 5.84 Na 8.33 SO.sub.4 1.61 Cl 16.97 H.sub.2O
67.23
[0096] The slurry was agitated for one hour at ambient temperature.
The slurry was filtered in a lab vacuum filter to obtain a filtered
cake containing glaserite-sodium chloride mixture,
3K.sub.2SO.sub.4.Na.sub.2SO.sub.4+NaCl, having the same composition
as the slurry above.
7.5 Example 5
Blending Solid K.sub.2SO.sub.4, Na.sub.2SO.sub.4 and NaCl to Obtain
Anhydrous Low Sodium Salt Composition
[0097] One kg of potassium sulfate, 272 grams of sodium sulfate and
700 grams of sodium chloride were added to a blender. Fifteen
minute of blending was allowed, in order to minimize undersize
fines. The anhydrous low sodium salt composition obtained had the
same taste and saltiness as the anhydrous low sodium salt
composition produced in example 1.
[0098] The low sodium salt compositions provided herein can be
substituted for regular salt in prepared foods or for external use
as table salt, including for use in salt shakers. The low sodium
salt provided herein is useful in reducing the sodium intake.
[0099] All publications, patents and patent applications cited in
this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each
individual publication or patent application were specifically and
individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Although
the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of
illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding,
it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art
in light of the teachings of this invention that certain changes
and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the
spirit or scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *