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.
Alcohol burns up B-vitamins, especially vitamin B-1 (thiamin). If you drink, take a B-complex vitamin supplement plus extra thiamin (100 mg) on days you use alcohol. This will help protect your nervous system and potentially avoid the nerve damage seen in alcoholics as the result of thiamin deficiency.