Potassium Compounds In Foods

Potassium is the eighth-most-abundant element on earth and so active that it always occurs in compounds combined with other elements, the Chemistry Explained website reports. Potassium reacts readily with sulfur, chlorine, fluorine, phosphorus and nitrogen. Compounds of potassium have many applications in food. Familiar potassium compounds are potassium bicarbonate, or baking soda; potassium bitartrate, or cream of tartar; potassium bisulfate, a food preservative; and potassium chloride, a substitute for table salt. Several other compounds also used in food and for supplements have significance to our health.

Potassium and Health

A mineral found in whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables and meat, potassium is important for proper functioning of the nerves and contraction of muscles, Oregon State University's Linus Pauling Institute explains. Potassium helps control the balance of fluids in cells and aids in the digestion of food.

Potassium Supplements

In 2004, the Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board determined the acceptable intake level for potassium based on amounts found to lower blood pressure, reduce salt sensitivity, and minimize the risk of kidney stones. Adequate intake for potassium is 4,700 mg per day, the Pauling Institute reports. Several potassium supplements are made from potassium compounds, including potassium acetate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium citrate, potassium chloride and potassium gluconate. Available in tablets, capsules, effervescent tablets, powders and liquids, these supplements prevent or treat potassium deficiency, called hypokalemia, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes. Medications can interact with potassium supplements, so consult your doctor about any prescription and over-the-counter medications you use before taking any potassium compounds.

Potassium Iodide

Potassium iodide is another salt compound of potassium and an additive to table salt in many countries including the United States, Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand, according to Chemistry Explained. Potassium iodide may also help chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis by thinning mucus secretions in the respiratory tract. The Natural News website reports that potassium iodide could protect against radioactivity-induced cancer caused by exposure to radioiodine.

Potassium Citrate

Potassium citrate is often added to soft drinks and other foods to enhance flavor. As a dietary supplement, potassium citrate is used for bone health and was the subject in a study, cited by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, of women with osteoporosis. The findings showed that bone mineral density increased significantly in the group taking potassium citrate supplements.

Potassium Chloride

Potassium chloride is used to prevent or treat low blood levels of potassium, which can result from disease or metabolic disturbances, medications such as diuretics or after prolonged diarrhea or vomiting. Symptoms of hypokalemia include fatigue, muscle weakness, cramps and intestinal pain and may require supplementation to restore potassium balance in the body, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports.