Author: Leticia Celentano
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Last Updated:
January 27, 2026
Characteristic: Potassium chloride is a white substance with a crystalline structure without a characteristic odor. In nature, carnallite and sylvinite can be found in the minerals. The taste is pronounced salty. The additive dissolved
Potassium chloride is a white substance with a crystalline structure without a characteristic odor. In nature, carnallite and sylvinite can be found in the minerals. The taste is pronounced salty. The additive dissolves well in water, but is practically insoluble in alcohol.
Potassium chloride is used in the food industry as a stabilizer in the production of condensed milk, various creams, milk powder. First of all, the supplement E 508 replaces salt in the diet, in addition it is a favorable soil for some organisms (yeast). It is widely used in medicine in the treatment of arrhythmias and for strengthening the heart, potassium deficiency in the body, intoxication with diuretics and cardiac glycosides.
The substance is one of the most commonly used and popular potassium fertilizers.
In moderate amounts, the food supplement E 508 normalizes the acid-base status and compensates for the lack of potassium in the body. It is an activator of cytoplasmic enzymes, participates in protein synthesis and transport of amino acids, conducts nerve impulses and causes muscle contractions. With the help of potassium ions, the frequency of heart contractions can be reduced. In small doses, potassium chloride dilates the coronary vessels, and in large, on the contrary - shrinks them.