What are the side effects of 508 food additive?

December 28, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2019 report from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the use of potassium chloride (E508) as a food additive is not a safety concern at reported use levels for the general healthy population. However, overconsumption and pre-existing medical conditions can lead to adverse side effects of 508 food additive.

Quick Summary

The food additive 508, potassium chloride, can cause gastrointestinal upset and, in high doses, dangerously elevated blood potassium (hyperkalemia), posing risks particularly for individuals with kidney or heart issues.

Key Points

Identity: E508 is potassium chloride, a mineral salt used as a sodium-free salt replacer and flavor enhancer.
Common Effects: Common side effects are generally mild gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, especially with higher intake.
Hyperkalemia Risk: Excessive intake can lead to hyperkalemia (high blood potassium), potentially causing irregular heartbeats and muscle weakness.
High-Risk Groups: Individuals with kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, or those on certain medications are at a greater risk from E508 and should be cautious.
Severe Cases: In rare instances, very high doses can cause serious gastrointestinal damage, including bleeding and ulceration.
Moderation is Key: For the healthy population, E508 is considered safe at typical dietary levels, but moderation is advised.

What is 508 Food Additive?

Food additive 508 is the common designation for potassium chloride (KCl) when used in food manufacturing. It is a naturally occurring mineral salt extracted from rock and sea salts, widely used as a functional ingredient for several purposes.

Why is E508 used in food?

Food manufacturers add potassium chloride to products for a variety of reasons, most notably:

Salt Replacement: It serves as a sodium-free salt substitute, helping to reduce the overall sodium content in processed foods.
Flavor Enhancer: It contributes a salty taste to foods, though it can also introduce a metallic or bitter aftertaste at higher concentrations.
Stabilizer and Thickener: It helps to improve the viscosity and texture of certain products and prevents clumping.
Nutrient Supplement: It can be added to foods to increase their potassium content.

Common Side Effects of Potassium Chloride (E508)

For most healthy individuals, consuming E508 in moderate amounts as part of a balanced diet is unlikely to cause issues. However, the most frequently reported side effects are gastrointestinal and tend to be dose-dependent. These include:

Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach pain, upset, or discomfort
Intestinal gas

These symptoms are often mild and temporary, typically resolving once the intake of the additive is reduced. Taking products containing potassium chloride with food can also help minimize gastric irritation.

Serious Health Risks Associated with Excessive 508 Intake

While uncommon with typical dietary exposure, excessive intake of potassium chloride can lead to serious health complications, particularly for at-risk individuals. The primary concern is hyperkalemia, a dangerously high concentration of potassium in the blood.

Hyperkalemia and its symptoms

When potassium levels become too high, it can disrupt normal body functions, including heart rhythm. Symptoms of hyperkalemia can include:

Irregular heartbeats or palpitations
Muscle weakness or a limp feeling
Numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or mouth
Chest pain
Mental confusion

Gastrointestinal injuries

Oral potassium supplements, especially in pill form, have been known to cause irritation to the stomach and intestines. In rare, severe cases, this can lead to ulcerations, bleeding, or blockages. If you experience symptoms like black or tarry stools, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, seek immediate medical attention.

Who Should Be Cautious with E508 Consumption?

Certain populations are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of potassium chloride and should carefully monitor their intake, especially when using salt substitutes or processed foods with E508. These groups include:

Individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease: Impaired kidney function can prevent the proper excretion of excess potassium, significantly increasing the risk of hyperkalemia.
People with Heart Disease: Those with heart conditions are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in potassium levels, which can affect heart rhythm.
Diabetics: Certain conditions related to diabetes can disrupt potassium balance, increasing risk.
Individuals with Addison's Disease: This adrenal gland disorder can also lead to high potassium levels.
Those taking certain medications: Some drugs, including ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril) and potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., spironolactone), can raise blood potassium and should not be combined with high potassium intake without a doctor's supervision.

Comparison of Potassium Chloride and Table Salt Risks


Feature	Potassium Chloride (E508) in food	Table Salt (Sodium Chloride)
Primary Function	Sodium-free salt replacer	Flavoring, preservative
Cardiovascular Risk	Can cause hyperkalemia (high potassium) in sensitive individuals.	High intake is linked to hypertension (high blood pressure).
Gastrointestinal Issues	Stomach upset, nausea, potential ulceration with high doses.	Can irritate stomach lining with excessive intake.
Taste Profile	Can have a metallic or bitter aftertaste.	Classic salty flavor.
Target Population	Generally safe for healthy adults in moderation.	High intake can be problematic for most adults.

Conclusion

In moderate quantities, E508 is a generally safe and effective salt substitute, helping manufacturers lower the sodium content of food products. However, its use is not without risks, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions that affect potassium regulation, such as kidney or heart disease. The side effects of 508 food additive are primarily gastrointestinal, but excessive intake can lead to the more serious and potentially life-threatening condition of hyperkalemia. Consumers should be mindful of their total potassium intake from all sources, including food additives, and consult a healthcare professional with any concerns, especially if they belong to a high-risk group.

More information on the FDA's position on potassium chloride can be found in their official guidance on using an alternate name for the additive in food.

Frequently Asked Questions

E508 is the food additive code for potassium chloride, a mineral salt that serves as a sodium-free salt replacer and multi-purpose additive in processed foods.

For most healthy people, E508 is considered safe when consumed in moderation. However, excessive amounts can be toxic and dangerous for individuals with certain health conditions, particularly those affecting potassium regulation.

Individuals with chronic kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, Addison's disease, or those taking ACE inhibitors or potassium-sparing diuretics should be cautious or avoid excessive E508 intake.

Yes, common side effects of E508 include mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain, especially at higher intake levels.

Symptoms of high potassium (hyperkalemia) can include irregular heartbeats, muscle weakness, numbness or tingling, and chest pain. If these occur, medical attention should be sought immediately.

Yes, E508 is often used as a salt replacer to reduce the sodium content in food products, making it a common ingredient in low-sodium alternatives.

Check the product's ingredient list. E508 may be listed as 'potassium chloride', 'potassium salt', or simply 'E508'. For those needing to monitor intake, it's always best to read labels carefully.