Potassium gluconate

Potassium gluconate is a salt of Potassium cation and is classified as a food additive by the FDA . It is also used as a potassium supplement . Potassium is an essential nutrient. It is the most abundant cation in the intracellular fluid, where it plays a key role in maintaining cell function . In dietary supplements, potassium is often present as potassium chloride, but many other forms—including potassium citrate, phosphate, aspartate, bicarbonate, and gluconate—are also used . Potassium gluconate is believed to be more palatable and non-acidifying than potassium chloride (KCl) .

Because of potassium’s wide-ranging roles in the body, low intakes can increase the risk of illness . Potassium supplements are indicated to prevent hypokalemia in patients who would be at particular risk if hypokalemia were to develop (e.g., digitalis treated patients with significant cardiac arrhythmias). Potassium deficiency occurs when the rate of loss through renal excretion and/or loss from the gastrointestinal tract is higher than the rate of potassium intake. In addition to serving as a preventative supplement, potassium gluconate also serves as a treatment for decreased potassium levels , , .

• Potassium deficiency