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.
Some sources of thiamine are meats, nuts, and beans. The danger for the heavy drinker is that alcohol consumption reduces the availability of the essential nutrient thiamine. Thiamine deficiency caused by alcoholism is specifically damaging to the heart and brain function.