Potassium hydroxide as a nutrient source in food supplements
What it found
A serious case of poisoning followed someone taking potassium hydroxide as a nutrient in a food supplement.
The authors say safer forms of potassium are available for supplements.
What they found
High pH and caustic nature
Potassium hydroxide is known for its high pH and caustic properties. It poses safety risks if not properly diluted.
High alkalinity in water
Using potassium hydroxide as the only potassium source has been shown to create high alkalinity. This poses potential risks when it is dissolved in water for people to drink.
Safer potassium alternatives
Safer alternative forms of potassium are available for food supplements.
Nutrient levels in products
EU Regulation 1169/2011 sets minimum significant quantities for nutrients in all food products, including potassium. These must not exceed certain levels to ensure safety.
What the authors conclude
“Safer alternative forms of K are available for FS.”
Also in their conclusions
- They underscore the need for continuous regulatory oversight and the involvement of public decision makers to ensure consumer safety.
- They point to the broad variability in food supplement formulations and their increasing market share.
How it was done
Food supplements are a heavily marketed category of food products, and healthcare professionals such as pharmacists play key roles in their distribution and monitoring. A serious case of intoxication from potassium hydroxide taken as a nutrient source prompted this technical analysis.
After a serious case of intoxication from taking potassium hydroxide as a nutrient source in a food supplement, the authors carried out a technical analysis of the levels of vitamins and minerals that can be present in such products.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- This is an expert opinion based on one case of intoxication and a technical analysis, not a controlled study in people.
- It cannot show how often such poisoning happens with potassium hydroxide in food supplements.
Who paid
- Authors work at
- Ministry of Health, Italy; University of Camerino, Italy
The paper
- Title
- Is Potassium Hydroxide Safe as a Source of Nutrient in Food Supplements? An Expert Opinion
- Type
- Study
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Zovi A, Ferrara F (2025). Is Potassium Hydroxide Safe as a Source of Nutrient in Food Supplements? An Expert Opinion. International journal for vitamin and nutrition research. Internationale Zeitschrift fur Vitamin- und Ernahrungsforschung. Journal international de vitaminologie et de nutrition. doi:10.31083/IJVNR31370PubMed 40298157DOI
Summary written 26 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error