Main use of salt in diet is to:

The correct answer is produce small amount of hydrochloric acid required for digestion.

Key Points

• Salt, primarily sodium chloride, is essential for the production of hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach.
• Hydrochloric acid is a key component of gastric juice, which aids in the digestion of proteins by activating digestive enzymes.
• The presence of hydrochloric acid helps maintain the stomach’s acidic environment, which is crucial for killing harmful bacteria and pathogens ingested with food.
• Sodium ions from salt are also vital for nerve function, muscle contraction, and maintaining fluid balance in the body.

Additional Information

• Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)
  • A strong acid secreted by parietal cells in the stomach lining.
  • It plays a crucial role in breaking down food particles and activating pepsinogen to pepsin, an enzyme that digests proteins.
• Sodium (Na+)
  • An essential electrolyte that helps regulate blood pressure and volume.
  • Important for muscle and nerve function, including the transmission of nerve impulses.
• Electrolytes
  • Minerals in the body that carry an electric charge and are vital for various bodily functions.
  • Includes sodium, potassium, calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium, chloride, and phosphate.
• Gastric Juice
  • A mixture of hydrochloric acid, potassium chloride, and sodium chloride produced by the stomach lining.
  • Essential for digestion and absorption of nutrients, and protection against pathogens.