Potassium Chloride
Also known as: KCl, potassium chloride USP, salt substitute potassium
The most concentrated common potassium source at about 52% elemental potassium, and the salt used in most blood-pressure trials of potassium supplementation. It is the backbone of electrolyte powders and salt substitutes, with a sharp salty-bitter taste that needs masking. Solid-dose supplements in the US are commonly limited to 99 mg per unit because higher-dose potassium chloride tablets have been linked to small-bowel irritation, so larger amounts are typically delivered as powder or liquid.
Research summary
Supplies potassium and chloride ions for membrane potential, nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and fluid balance; higher potassium intake supports sodium excretion.
Dosage
Daily amounts, elemental (52% of the compound is the element).
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 99 mg | 99–500 mg | 4,692 mg | — |
Doses are elemental potassium. Supplement makers commonly keep solid-dose products to 99 mg per capsule or tablet, so 99 mg is the practical floor and ceiling for tablets while electrolyte powders often deliver 200–500 mg per serving. Blood-pressure trials used 30–120 mmol/day (about 1,173–4,692 mg) mostly as potassium chloride, taken with meals and fluid. No UL is set; the adult AI is 2,600–3,400 mg/day. Take with a full glass of water to limit gastric irritation. Potassium chloride (MW 74.55) is 52.4% K.
Source material: mined sylvite or brine, refined to USP/FCC grade
As supplied: ≈ 52% K; 500 mg elemental ≈ 960 mg compound
Forms of Potassium
| Form | Typical dose | Element % | Formats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potassium Chloride | 99–500 mg | 52% | Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Liquid | low |
| Potassium Citrate | 99–500 mg | 36% | Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Gummy, Liquid | low |
| Potassium Gluconate | 99–300 mg | 17% | Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Liquid | low |
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Most solid-dose products in the US hold potassium to 99 mg per capsule or tablet by industry convention, so meaningful amounts are usually delivered as powders or liquids. Strong metallic bitterness; usually blended with citrate or masked with citric acid and flavor. Hygroscopic.
Formulation notes
Potassium raises serum levels further in people taking ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, or potassium-sparing diuretics, and in kidney disease; formulations above the 99 mg convention commonly carry an advisory. Pairs with sodium, magnesium, and chloride in electrolyte blends.
- Notable drug interactions
Sources
Related ingredients
Taurine
Amino acidA sulfur-containing amino acid abundant in muscle, heart, and brain, and a familiar ingredient in energy drinks and pre-workouts.
Typical: 1–3 g
Electrolyte Blend (Generic)
ElectrolyteA generic electrolyte blend is a placeholder for an unspecified mixture of sodium, potassium, and magnesium salts (sometimes with calcium and chloride) used in hydration and endurance powders.
Typical: 500–1,500 mg
L-Citrulline
Sports performanceA non-protein amino acid that the kidneys convert to arginine, raising plasma arginine more efficiently than oral arginine itself.
Typical: 6–8 g
Sodium Chloride
ElectrolyteOrdinary salt, about 39% sodium and 61% chloride by weight, and the primary electrolyte lost in sweat.
Typical: 200–1,000 mg
Potassium Citrate
MineralPotassium bound to citric acid, about 36% elemental potassium as the monohydrate.
Typical: 99–500 mg