- Use as a supplement
- Risk factor's
- Dosed consumption
- Salt substitute
- Industrial uses
- Use in lethal injection
- References
The potassium chlorate (KClO 3 by molecular formula) or potassium chlorate is a chemical salt composed of potassium and chlorine. It has no odor and is generally colorless or whitish with a crystalline appearance.
When in its solid state it is easily soluble in water and such solutions have a salty taste. It is an inorganic compound that exists in nature, known as the mineral Silvita.
Potassium chlorate appearance
When found in combination with sodium chloride, it is known as sylvinite. It can be extracted from salt water, through methods such as electrostatic separation.
Potassium chlorate has uses in medicine (primarily to treat potassium deficiency), scientific applications (in chemical and experimental processes), food processing (as a substitute for salt), as a fertilizer, and also as one of the three compounds chemicals present in the so-called lethal injection that is applied in executions.
Use as a supplement
One of the medical applications of potassium chloride is as a supplement for potassium deficiency in the blood.
It is very important to maintain the correct level of potassium in the blood, as it helps the cells, kidneys, heart, muscles and nervous system to function properly.
Hypokalemia is the name given to the disorder in which there is a drop in the level of the potassium ion in the blood. This condition occurs when the body has lost too much potassium or cannot absorb what it requires from food.
When the disorder is mild, it usually shows no symptoms. When it is more severe, it usually manifests as muscle weakness and can lead to paralysis or respiratory failure. Other muscle dysfunctions such as cramps.
Most people get enough potassium from a balanced diet. However, some conditions can reduce the level of potassium in the blood, such as prolonged diarrhea and vomiting, hormonal problems such as hyperaldosteronism, or diuretic treatments.
It is found on the market as an active ingredient in mineral products and electrolytes. Some of the trade names it receives are Klor-Con, K-Dur, Clor-Con M20, KCI, K-Lyte, and Thermotabs.
Risk factor's
Before starting to take potassium chloride as a supplement, it is necessary to consult a doctor, especially if you have previously suffered from kidney, heart, respiratory or digestive disease.
Hyperkalemia is a disorder caused by excess potassium in the blood, so if it is suffered, a potassium supplement should not be consumed.
The doctor should know if potassium chloride has been consumed before surgery, including dental procedures.
Its use during pregnancy should be recommended by the doctor, since potassium is an element that is transferred to breast milk.
Dosed consumption
Potassium chloride can be found commercially in liquid, powder, granule, effervescent tablets, oral tablets, long-acting tablets and capsules. Its consumption is typically between two and four times a day, along with or after consuming food.
The most common symptoms of a potassium chloride overdose include slow heart rate, seizures, shortness of breath, confusion, dizziness, and heavy legs and arms.
In case of overdose it is necessary to go to the emergency services as soon as possible.
Salt substitute
One of the most common uses of potassium chlorate is as a salt substitute in the diet. By using it, those who consume it can reduce their intake of sodium, an element present in common salt.
Like sodium chloride, that is, salt, potassium chlorate provides a salty taste that can also have other functions such as microbiological control and protein modification, which can improve the texture, taste and shelf life of food products.
It is common to find potassium chlorate used as a salt substitute in commercial foods such as infant formulas, cereals, frozen meals, meats, potato chips, sports drinks, soups, sauces, and nutritional bars.
Industrial uses
As with the human body, a low level of potassium can negatively affect plant growth.
Potassium chlorate is frequently administered to crops for the same reason that it is used as a human supplement, to treat hypokalemia.
In the industrial field, potassium chlorate is used as a purifying agent in metal welding work and also as a de-icing agent for domestic use.
Use in lethal injection
Lethal injection is a method of execution of capital punishment considered more humane that began to be used during the 20th century to replace methods such as electrocution, hanging, decapitation and the gas chamber.
Typically, the injected solution consists of a mixture of three chemicals: a barbiturate, a paralytic, and a potassium solution. The intention is to cause death immediately.
The barbiturate (sodium thiopental) serves as an anesthetic, the paralytic (pancuronium bromide) paralyzes the muscles and causes respiratory infarction. Eventually the potassium chlorate stops the heart.
The method was initially used in the United States and its use has now spread to China, Thailand, Guatemala and Vietnam.
References
- Potassium chloride. Taken from wikipedia.org.
- What is potassium chloride? Taken from everydayhealth.com.
- Medications containing potassium chloride. Taken from drugs.com.
- Potassium chloride. Taken from drugs.com.
- Lethal injection. Taken from wikipedia.org.