Potassium, K. Reaction with water. When a small piece of potassium is added to water, it produces a hissing sound as it burns with a lilac flame. It also moves about quickly on the water surface. [ image ]. Hydrogen gas is given out in the reaction. The resulting alkaline solution will turn red litmus blue because of the potassium hydroxide formed.
However, a greater alcohol intake depletes the body of certain nutrients, especially amino acids, chromium, vitamin C and the B-complex vitamins like thiamin, folic acid and vitamin B6 - taking supplements of these is recommended for heavy drinkers and those in recovery.
These nutrients can be taken at the time the alcohol is consumed or before bedtime to help prevent a hangover. Vitamin C. Vitamin C is one of the essential nutrients depleted by alcohol consumption (Hancock 2005). Because it is the body's primary water-soluble dietary antioxidant, this depletion results in severe oxidative stress in daily drinkers (Masalkar 2005).