Ingredient Information

Function

Potassium bicarbonate is used as a leavening agent. It is also added to processed foods to reduce acidity, and to soda to decrease effervescence. Potassium bicarbonate is also added to bottled water to improve taste.

Other Use and Industries

Potassium bicarbonate is used as an antacid, a potassium supplement and a source of electrolytes.

It is used in the manufacturing of many products, including medicines, to adjust the pH and as a buffer.

Potassium bicarbonate is used as a dry fire-suppression agent in fire extinguishers.

Potassium bicarbonate is used in agriculture to adjust the pH balance of soil, and as an organic fungicide.

Health Effects

Doctors use potassium bicarbonate to prevent high blood pressure in individuals who do not have sufficient amounts of potassium in their diet.

Origins

Potassium bicarbonate is chemically produced by reacting potassium carbonate with carbon dioxide and water. Potassium bicarbonate infrequently occurs in nature as a mineral called kalicinite.