DrFeb
Health Guide

Potassium hydroxide

Let's clear up a common misconception right away: **Potassium Hydroxide (KOH)** is not something you will find in a supplement capsule. It is a strong, caustic chemical base (lye) used in industrial soap making and as a food additive for processing (E525). However, when your body metabolizes the potassium salts found in healthy foods, it functions similarly to this mineral. This guide focuses on **Potassium**, the essential mineral your body actually needs to survive, which is often confused with or derived from these chemical forms in food processing.
Evidence BasedDietary Supplement
Potassium hydroxide
VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Potassium: Natural vs. Chemical Forms

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis
Safety for Direct Consumption
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Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

  • Regulates Fluid Balance: Keeps the right amount of water inside your cells.
  • Nerve & Muscle Function: Allows muscles to contract and nerves to fire signals.
  • Lowers Blood Pressure: Helps offset the negative effects of sodium.

Deep Dive

Potassium is an electrolyte (a mineral with an electric charge). Your body relies on it to generate electrical impulses that power your heartbeat, muscles, and brain function. While Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) is a harsh chemical used to make soap or clean industrial equipment, the potassium ion (K+) it contains is vital for life. When you eat a banana or a potato, you are ingesting potassium salts that your body easily absorbs and uses to maintain a healthy rhythm.

Natural Food Sources

Potassium is abundant in whole foods. You do not need to supplement with chemical forms of potassium like KOH.

FoodAmount% Daily Value
Sweet Potato1 medium (baked)900mg (19%)
Spinach1 cup (cooked)840mg (18%)
Avocado1 medium700mg (15%)
Banana1 medium420mg (9%)
White Beans1 cup (cooked)1,190mg (25%)

Supplementation

Warning: Never ingest pure Potassium Hydroxide. It causes severe burns. If you are prescribed potassium supplements (usually Potassium Citrate or Chloride), it is for medical conditions like hypokalemia (low potassium) or to prevent kidney stones. Always take these with a full glass of water and food to prevent stomach upset.

Top Food Sources

White Beans
1,190mg per cup
Sweet Potato
900mg per medium
Spinach
840mg per cup cooked
Avocado
700mg per fruit
Banana
420mg per fruit

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Pure KOH is a corrosive chemical. However, it is used in very small amounts as a food additive (E525) to process olives or cocoa, but this is neutralized during production.
To clarify that while KOH is a chemical source of potassium, humans should only consume potassium via natural foods or prescribed supplements, not the raw chemical.
Fatigue, muscle weakness, cramps, and abnormal heart rhythms.
Only if prescribed by a doctor. High-dose potassium supplements can be dangerous for people with kidney issues.

Safety & Side Effects

Safety & Handling

Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) is extremely dangerous in its pure form. It is highly caustic and can burn skin, eyes, and the digestive tract instantly.

  • Dietary Potassium: Generally safe from food sources.
  • Supplements: Excessive potassium can lead to hyperkalemia (dangerously high levels), causing heart arrhythmias. This is a risk for people with kidney disease or those taking ACE inhibitors.

Scientific References

  • [1]National Institutes of Health (NIH) - Potassium Fact Sheet for Health Professionals
  • [2]American Heart Association - Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations
  • [3]EFSA Journal - Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to potassium