Potassium chloride is a type of potassium mineral, which in turn is essential for many bodily functions, especially the heartbeat. In the following article, we will learn about the benefits and harms of potassium chloride.

What is potassium chloride?

Potassium salt is a mixture of chlorine and potassium together. It appears as white or colorless glassy crystals. The compound is odorless in its pure state.

The chemical symbol for potassium chloride is KCl, and the potassium chloride salt dissolves easily in water.

Benefits of potassium chloride

The uses and benefits of potassium salt include the following:

• According to one study, consuming potassium salt regulates blood pressure. It reduces blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.
• Some studies indicate that consuming potassium salt as a substitute for table salt (sodium chloride) is a safe option for long-term health, especially for cardiovascular health.
• It works to treat hypokalemia, as it works to provide an appropriate level of potassium; for the cells to function properly.
• It is an ingredient in Systane eye drops used to treat dry eyes.
• Potassium salt is used in making a type of fertilizer. Potassium mineral is important and useful for the growth and reproduction of plants. This, in addition to this type of fertilizer, gives crops more resistance to diseases.

Potassium chloride pills

Potassium pills are one of the most popular ways to treat a low level of potassium in the blood. The dosage of the pills used depends on the level of potassium deficiency, in addition to the severity of the symptoms, some of which include the following:

• Muscle spasm.
• Flaccid paralysis.
• Osteoporosis.
• Numbness of the arms and legs.
• abdominal cramps
• Hypertension.

But should everyone who suffers from the previous symptoms take potassium pills? To answer this question, we advise you to read our article on the benefits of potassium pills, to know when to take calcium supplements? And what is the appropriate dose of it?

How is potassium chloride prepared?

Potassium chloride can be extracted directly from some minerals, such as carnallite, sylvite, and potash. This compound can also be extracted from seawater.

Potassium Chloride is produced as a by-product during the synthesis of nitric acid from hydrochloric acid and potassium nitrate.

In the laboratory, potassium chloride can be prepared by reacting potassium bases, such as potassium hydroxide, with hydrochloric acid, which produces water and potassium chloride.

Potassium chloride damage

Although studies indicated that the compound is safe to use, some people may suffer from an allergic reaction to potassium chloride, which may cause some of the following symptoms:

• breathing difficulties.
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common symptoms of potassium chloride use include:

• Nausea and vomiting.
• diarrhea.
• Gas and stomach pain.

If any of the following symptoms appear, you should contact your doctor immediately:

• severe throat irritation;
• stomach bloating
• severe stomach pain;
• severe vomiting
• Feeling nauseous and weak.
• Tingling and chest pain.
• Irregular heartbeat and loss of movement.
• Coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds (signs of stomach bleeding).

Is potassium chloride fatal?

In general, the use of potassium chloride does not pose a threat to the health of the body. The body needs potassium; In order for the organs to perform their functions, and because the body cannot produce potassium naturally, we resort to eating foods and nutritional supplements that contain it.

But when taking or giving large doses and amounts of potassium chloride, this may lead to poisoning, and the matter may develop into death, and therefore a doctor should be consulted before consuming any quantities of it. And you can find out which foods are rich in potassium, you can read our article on the potassium intake diet.