Tag: Hypokalemia treatment

Hypokalemia is a frequent and serious complication in children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM), particularly those with diarrhea, and is associated with significantly increased mortality rates. Therefore, proper management of this electrolyte imbalance is a cornerstone of treatment to improve patient outcomes.

Over 98% of the body's potassium is located inside cells, playing a critical role in nerve function, muscle contraction, and maintaining a normal heart rhythm. Slow K is a medication designed to restore this essential balance, specifically used to treat or prevent low potassium levels (hypokalemia). Its primary health benefit is to provide a controlled, extended-release of potassium to the body.

According to the World Health Organization, many consumers would benefit from reducing sodium and increasing potassium intake. This has led to the widespread adoption of potassium salt, primarily potassium chloride, as a healthier alternative to table salt. This versatile mineral compound, obtained from natural sources like dried lake deposits, is fundamental across diverse sectors, including food production, healthcare, and agriculture.

According to the U.S. FDA, potassium chloride is a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) ingredient used for various purposes, including as a salt substitute in many food products to help reduce sodium intake. This crystalline salt, chemically known as KCl, is also found naturally in mineral deposits and is a key component in a range of industrial, agricultural, and medical applications.

According to a 2017 study, roughly 1 in 11 emergency room patients show symptoms of low or high potassium. Recognizing the warning signs of critically low potassium levels, known as severe hypokalemia, is vital, as this condition can lead to life-threatening complications.