potassium that is often used to fertilize soils. It has one of the highest salt index ratings (116) among
commercial fertilizers and can cause injury to plants which is known as "burning."
Because supplemental potassium is potentially dangerous, if used inappropriately or in too high a
dosage, it is regulated by the FDA and is not sold in quantities above 99 mg per serving.
Potassium toxicity involves the following symptoms: gastrointestinal distress, e.g. nausea, vomiting,
abdmoninal discomfort and diarrhea. Intestinal ulceration has been reported after the use of
enteric- coated potassium chloride tablets. People with kidney problems should be especially
careful when ingesting potassium that is not from a food source.
The key point here is that the potassium found in food is not the same as that which is in inorganic
form. Mother nature wraps complex amino acids, cofactors, fiber, and other "checks and balances"
into the nutrients she produces. High doses of potassium chloride are used as the active ingredient
in lethal injection. Bananas (approximately 450 mg each) or coconut water (approximately 700 mg
per 12 oz), however, can be ingested in massive amounts, without causing serious harm.
.