Interventions on coronavirus disease (COVID-19): A case study of potassium supplementation in management of COVID-19

Abstract

One of the complications of COVID-19 is its effect on electrolyte, mainly manifesting in hypokalaemia. Reversal of hypokalemic state in COVID-19 patients will be of beneficial effect to the patients. This study explored ways of improving the hypokalemic state in such patients. The fortification of potable water was actualized using palm bunch ash (PBA) derived from organic material, the empty palm fruit bunch (Elaeis guineensis) hereafter referred to as palm potash or palm potassium carbonate (PPC). Palm potassium carbonate (PPC) was obtained by complete combustion of empty palm fruit bunch to ashes. The resultant ash was allowed to cool for 24 hours and stored in a desiccator. This ash was used for potassium supplementation in potable water. The potassium fortified potable water was prepared using PPC (conc. approx. 20 g/l) and dispensed as 0.5 ml (10 drops) of PPC solution in 750 ml of potable water, Eva, premium table water TM. Ten volunteers of either sex were used for the study. At the commencement of the protocol, each volunteer had initial blood sample collected for electrolyte analysis so that each volunteer served as his or her own control. Thereafter, 3 liters of PPC fortified potable water was administered to each volunteer daily for 14 days. At the end of the first 7 days, blood samples were collected from the volunteers and further samples were collected on the 14th day. Results showed an increase in serum potassium level with a mean value of 3.6 ± 0.23 mmol/L at commencement of study (control) and a mean final value of 3.87± 0.15 mmol/L or 7.5% increase. This increase is statistically significant at p≤0.01. The rise in serum potassium following ingestion of PPC fortified potable water is sufficient to overcome the hypokalemic state of COVID-19 patients and other individuals with hypokalemia.