Himalayan and Sea Salts: Health Benefits, Toxic Metals, & Microplastics

Latest Update

Toxic Heavy Metals in Salt

Medically reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Written by Amy Malec

Updated July 07, 2025 ⓘ

Himalayan Salt -- spoonful of pink Himalayan salt

Answer:

Himalayan salt and other specialty or gourmet salts from ancient mineral deposits, as well as Hawaiian, Mediterranean, and French sea salts, and Australian river salts, have become popular due to their flavor and suggested health benefits.

One potential health benefits commonly ascribed to these salts is that they have higher concentrations of essential minerals (like calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium, and chromium) than ordinary table salt (purified sodium chloride). However, the amounts are fairly small. In addition, concerns have been raised about contamination of these salts with heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury, as well as microplastics.

Sign in as a member to learn more, including amounts of heavy metals and/or microplastics found in iodized salt, Himalayan salt, sea salts, and other specialty salts, and if there is any evidence to support what's called the "pink salt trick."

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