Potassium bicarbonate(also known as potassium hydrogen carbonate or potassium acid carbonate) is the inorganic compound with the chemical formula KHCO3.
Potassium is an important nutrient and electrolyte. It’s found in many foods. Fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, potatoes, and spinach are excellent sources. Potassium is necessary for cardiovascular health, strong bones, and muscle function. It supports the ability of muscles to contract. This makes it important for maintaining a strong, regular heartbeat, and for digestive health. Potassium can also help counter the negative effects of a diet that is too acidic.
In addition to these, potassium bicarbonate has a number of nonmedical uses:
- works as a leavening agent to help dough rise - softens carbonation in soda water - reduces the acid content in wine, to improve flavor - neutralizes acid in soil, aiding crop growth - improves the taste of bottled water - is used as a flame retardant to combat fire - is used as a fungicide to destroy fungus and mildew
