Your Health

Potassium Bicarbonate – Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage

Medical Uses of Potassium Bicarbonate

Potassium is an important electrolyte for some body functions. When potassium levels are too low due to an underlying condition or limited intake from the diet, you may take potassium bicarbonate for the following benefits:

– Preserve muscle and bone: Potassium bicarbonate may help slow down calcium loss, thus preventing damage and improving bone health.

– Kidney stones: Studies have shown that potassium bicarbonate would help dissolve some forms of kidney stones.

– Hypokalemia is a health issue characterized by low potassium levels in the blood. Taking potassium bicarbonate may help increase this level and manage symptoms of hypokalemia.

– Stroke: Scientists have found that sufficient potassium levels would help reduce the risk of having a stroke.  [3]

Nonmedical Uses of Potassium Bicarbonate

In addition to those potential health benefits, potassium bicarbonate can also be used for some nonmedical applications. These include:

– Lower acid content in wines to boost the flavor

– Soften carbonation in soda water

– Serve as a leavening agent to make dough rise

– Improve bottled water’s taste

– Neutralize soil’s acid and help with crop growth

– Remove mildew and fungus

– Put out fire [4]