Is Himalayan Salt Really Good for Children's Complementary Foods?

Himalayan salt or Himalayan salt is considered more nutritious than regular salt, so it is said to be good for complementary foods for infants and children. Not a few parents are willing to dig deeper into their pockets to buy this pink salt. Is that true Himalayan salt good for MPASI?

Himalayan salt is a pink salt that is mostly found in mountainous areas of the Himalayas, such as Pakistan. In addition to its unique color, Himalayan salt also contains more minerals, such as magnesium, than regular salt.

However, until now there has been no scientific evidence that can ensure that Himalayan salt is healthier for consumption, including by bauyi and children.

Facts about Benefits Himalayan Salt for MPASI

All parents want to give the best for their children. Therefore, some of them began to look at Himalayan salt as a condiment for complementary foods because it is considered more nutritious.

However, before giving it to your little one, it's a good idea to know some facts about the following benefits of Himalayan salt:

Nutritional Content Himalayan Salt

In terms of composition, when compared to ordinary table salt, this type of salt does contain various other minerals, such as iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Although it contains more complete minerals, there is actually no significant difference between the benefits of Himalayan salt and table salt, Bun. Because the amount of mineral content is only small and not enough to meet the nutritional needs of babies.

Regular salt contains about 2350 milligrams of sodium per teaspoon, whereas Himalayan salt contains only about 1700 milligrams of sodium. From this comparison, we can see that Himalayan salt is not superior to table salt.

Himalayan Salt Does Not Contain Iodine

Himalayan salt does not contain iodine like regular table salt. In fact, this mineral is important to control the process of growth and development and metabolism of the child's body.

If your child doesn't get enough iodine, he or she can develop an enlarged thyroid gland or a goiter. This condition can affect hormone production, cause children to have difficulty breathing, cause hypothyroidism, and inhibit the process of growth and development of children's intelligence.

Some Products Himalayan Salt Contains Harmful Substances

You also need to know that some Himalayan salt products may contain toxic substances, such as arsenic, mercury, cadmium, and lead. These hazardous substances may be contained in Himalayan salt products that do not get the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) certificate.

If consumed in excess, various harmful substances can interfere with the health and development of children.

From the explanation above, giving Himalayan salt for children's complementary feeding is not something that is prohibited, but it is also not something that is required. Compared to table salt, there is nothing special about Himalayan salt, how come. You can use table salt or Himalayan salt to season your cooking.

Until now, no studies have found that Himalayan salt is proven to be healthier or better for children, when compared to regular salt.

However, remember. The limit for giving salt for infants aged 6-12 months is less than 1 gram or no more than 1/4 teaspoon per day. Meanwhile, the recommended amount of salt intake for children under five is no more than 2 grams or about 1/3 teaspoon per day.

If you want to enter Himalayan salt into your little one's food, make sure to give it in the right amount and choose products that have been certified at BPOM, yes.

To meet your little one's daily nutritional needs, you also need to provide him with healthy foods, such as seaweed, milk or other processed products, eggs, fruit, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. seafood.

If you are still unsure which type of salt is best for your little one and how much salt you can give, you can ask the doctor. To be safer, you can also ask your doctor about the benefits and risks of giving Himalayan salt for children's complementary foods.