In the simplest terms possible, potassium phosphate is nothing more than a salt of potassium and phosphate. Taking things one step further, a salt is defined scientifically as a chemical compound that results from the neutralizing effect of combining both a base and an acid.
When this chemical process is applied to phosphoric acid the result is known as phosphate. Potassium phosphate then is a compound formed by applying the process to both of these substances.
The term "potassium phosphate" is more or less used as a generic term covering the three different types of the compound. They are known as monopotassium phosphate (KH2PO4), dipotassium phosphate (K2HPO4) and tripotassium phosphate (K3PO4). Their chemical formulas clearly demonstrate that the only differences between the three compounds lies in the number of potassium molecules included in them.
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Potassium Phosphate General Uses Potassium phosphate in all three forms is commonly used as a food additive to prevent coagulation, to encourage emulsification, and prevent disease because of its antimicrobial properties. Monopotassium phosphate and tripotassium phosphate are also commonly... more
Potassium phosphate in all three forms is commonly used as a food additive to prevent coagulation, to encourage emulsification, and prevent disease because of its antimicrobial properties. Monopotassium phosphate and tripotassium phosphate are also commonly used in the agricultural industry, most notably in fertilizers. It is one of the few fertilizer ingredients that has a 100% nutrient value, making it ideal for many different kinds of crops.
In the medical community potassium phosphate is often used as an oral medication to treat a number of illnesses. According to WebMD it has proven very successful in the treatment of kidney stones and bladder infections because it helps regulate the amount of calcium in the system.
Potassium phosphate is also sometimes used to treat individuals suffering from phosphorus deficiency. However, when used as a medicine the dosage is high enough that it can only be used under the supervision of a doctor.
Potassium phosphate occurs naturally in many of the foods we eat on a daily basis. Therefore the medical community suggests there is no need to get additional amounts through supplementation unless an individual is suffering from a specific medical condition that warrants it.
For this reason, it is difficult to find potassium phosphate as a generalized supplement sold in stores. You may occasionally run across it in some products marketed as high-powered vitamin and mineral supplements.
When potassium phosphate is included in general health supplements it is often marketed as being helpful in detoxifying the body and promoting good health in the colon. Perhaps some of this promotion comes from the fact that certain forms of potassium phosphate have been used in the past as laxatives.
It's unclear what kind of dosage of potassium phosphate would be needed in a dietary supplement to make it effective for this type of use. However, it's highly unlikely that it would be high enough to come anywhere close to medical use dosages.
There are numerous side effects associated with this substance when taken in medicinal dosages. Because of this, it's not recommended to be used as a daily supplement under most circumstances. Some of the minor side effects as reported by the National Library of Medicine include nausea, bloating, stomach pain, vomiting, dizziness, and decreased urination.
More serious side effects can occur as a result of an allergic reaction or possible kidney damage. Allergic reactions will typically display symptoms such as rashes, hives, itching, seizures, tightness of the throat, swelling around the eyes and neck, fainting, and difficulty breathing.
Anyone who develops these type of allergic symptoms should immediately consult a doctor or a hospital emergency room. A severe allergic reaction could result in anaphylactic shock and eventual death.
Lastly, numerous studies have indicated that some people are sensitive enough to potassium phosphate that kidney damage can result from overdose. If you are suffering from any sort of kidney or liver disease it is recommended that you consult a doctor before taking potassium phosphate as a daily supplement.
Under no circumstances should potassium phosphate ever be taken in medicinal doses without the direct supervision of a doctor.
Because of the possible side effects of potassium phosphate overdose, there exists a great deal of controversy as to whether or not it should be used as a food additive. In addressing this controversy is important to note that in low dosages it is considered to be safe by the Food and Drug Administration.
The amount of potassium phosphate contained in most foods is minimal, at best. Also keep in mind that the human body needs both potassium and phosphoric acid for its normal functioning. As long as it is used in moderation there should be no ill effects.
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| Vomiting |
| Nausea |
| Bloating |
| Dizziness |
| Stomach Pain |
| Possible Allergic Reaction |
| Overdose May Cause Kidney Damage |
| Decreased Urination |
| Potassium, Phosphate salts, Potassium salt |
| Colon Health |
| Detoxification |
| Disease Prevention |
| Food Additive |
| Kidney Stones |
| Laxative |
| Bladder Infection |
| Phosphorus Deficiency |
| Prevents Food Coagulation |
| Regulates Calcium |