Himalayan Pink Salt
Also known as: pink Himalayan salt, pink rock salt, Khewra salt, Himalayan crystal salt
Rock salt mined mainly from the Khewra region of Pakistan, tinted pink by trace iron oxide. It is essentially sodium chloride, about 38% sodium, with small amounts of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron that are nutritionally minor at normal servings. An analysis of pink salts sold in Australia found the mineral content too low to matter at typical intakes and identified some samples with elevated lead. It is used in hydration and electrolyte products mostly for marketing appeal and flavor.
Research summary
Supplies sodium and chloride for extracellular fluid volume and nerve and muscle function; the trace minerals contribute negligibly at usual doses.
Dosage
Daily amounts, elemental (38% of the compound is the element).
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 mg | 200–1,000 mg | — | — |
Doses are milligrams of elemental sodium. Pink salt is roughly 97–98% sodium chloride, giving about 38% sodium (versus 39.3% for pure NaCl); 1,000 mg sodium ≈ 2,600 mg salt. Hydration servings commonly deliver 200–1,000 mg sodium. No UL is set for sodium; NASEM's CDRR is 2,300 mg/day and FDA's Daily Value is 2,300 mg, and food sodium should be counted. Fayet-Moore 2020 found trace-mineral content nutritionally insignificant at realistic intakes and flagged lead above the contaminant limit in one sample, so lot testing is advised.
Source material: mined rock salt (Khewra Salt Mine, Punjab region)
As supplied: ≈ 38% Na; ≈ 97–98% NaCl with trace Ca, Mg, K, Fe
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Behaves like table salt in formulation: dense, free-flowing, hygroscopic in humid conditions. Coarse grades need milling for powder blends. The pink color is lost in solution.
Formulation notes
Balance with potassium in hydration blends. Adds to total sodium for people limiting salt. Heavy-metal testing (lead) per lot is recommended.
- Possible Prop 65 warning
Sources
Related ingredients
Trace Mineral Concentrate (Ionic)
ElectrolyteA generic descriptor for low-sodium mineral concentrates made by solar-evaporating inland sea or seawater brine, leaving a liquid or dried powder rich in magnesium chloride with smaller amounts of potassium, sulfate, lithium, boron, and dozens of other elements.
Typical: 100–500 mg
Electrolyte Blend (Generic)
ElectrolyteA generic electrolyte blend is a placeholder for an unspecified mixture of sodium, potassium, and magnesium salts (sometimes with calcium and chloride) used in hydration and endurance powders.
Typical: 500–1,500 mg
Taurine
Amino acidA sulfur-containing amino acid abundant in muscle, heart, and brain, and a familiar ingredient in energy drinks and pre-workouts.
Typical: 1–3 g
Sodium Chloride
ElectrolyteOrdinary salt, about 39% sodium and 61% chloride by weight, and the primary electrolyte lost in sweat.
Typical: 200–1,000 mg
Potassium Chloride
MineralThe most concentrated common potassium source at about 52% elemental potassium, and the salt used in most blood-pressure trials of potassium supplementation.
Typical: 99–500 mg