Potassium and Sodium Content of California Wines

Abstract

The sodium and potassium content of 132 white table, 75 rosé, 168 red table, 34 sherry, 6 white dessert and 13 ports of California was determined by flame emission photometry. The potassium values fell between 500 and 1300 mg/l. The sodium values were mainly below 100 mg/l. Only 10 of 428 wines contained more than 200 mg/l and six of these were from a single winery.

The daily requirement for potassium is about 2 to 4 g and that of sodium 0.5 to 2.0 g. Wines are thus useful in the diet of individuals who must restrict sodium intake and maintain high potassium levels.