Antimony potassium tartrate trihydrate

Antimony Potassium Tartrate Trihydrate

Antimony potassium tartrate trihydrate is an ingredient utilised as a source of antimony in some dietary supplement products available in Australia. This compound features antimony bound with tartaric acid and potassium in a stable trihydrate formulation. Continue reading to discover key details about this supplement component to inform and assist your purchase decisions.

What is Antimony Potassium Tartrate Trihydrate?

Antimony potassium tartrate trihydrate, also referred to as potassium antimonyl tartrate or APT trihydrate, is a chemical compound comprised of potassium, antimony, oxygen and hydrogen atoms. The antimony provides 22.1% of the compound by weight. This equates to a 41.5% antimony content when on an anhydrous basis without water molecules. APT trihydrate contains three molecules of water per molecule of the main compound.

Uses as a Supplement Ingredient

Antimony potassium tartrate trihydrate functions as a source of supplemental antimony. While antimony was once used as a treatment for illnesses like schistosomiasis and leishmaniasis, this practice has mostly ceased due to concerns over toxic effects.

In modern supplements, APT trihydrate may be incorporated for its claimed antibacterial, anti-parasitic and anti-fungal properties. It is also sometimes included as an ingredient for detoxification support. However, clinical evidence is generally insufficient to strongly support such uses at typical dosage levels.

Safety Considerations

Antimony potassium tartrate trihydrate contains antimony which is considered toxic when excessive amounts accumulate within bodily tissues. While regulated amounts may provide benefits, improper dosing raises safety issues. Chronic over-exposure can lead to issues including:

• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Kidney dysfunction

Due to absorption rates and individual sensitivity differences, negative effects can manifest at substantially lower than expected intake levels in some users. Proper caution and responsible dosage control are vital.

Maximum Safe Daily Intake

Due to the potential toxic effects of antimony accumulation, regulatory health agencies have established guidelines around the maximum daily intake considered unlikely to pose long term safety concerns. These include:

• USA EPA: 0.4 milligrams per kilogram of bodyweight per day
• UK EH40 Workplace Standard: 0.5 milligrams per kilogram of bodyweight per day
• Australia TGA limits antimony to under 2mg per day in listed complementary medicines

Exceeding these thresholds substantially or for prolonged periods raises the risks of antimony-related health issues with chronic exposure. Stay well below these limits for ongoing intake.

Interactions With Medicines and Supplements

Antimony potassium trihydrate may potentially interact with some prescription medications and other supplements. Known or suspected interactions include:

• Anti-fungal drugs - Antimony appears to oppose the action of anti-fungal pharmaceuticals and may reduce their efficacy. Avoid combining such medications.
• Some heart medications - Antimony is suspected to sometimes deplete levels of essential minerals like magnesium, potassium and calcium. This may disrupt the function of certain heart medications. Exercise caution with such combinations.
• Cisplatin - Antimony demonstrates toxicity synergy when combined with the chemotherapy drug cisplatin. Co-administration greatly elevates overall harm potential. Avoid use alongside cisplatin.

Check ingredient labels thoroughly and consult your doctor regarding any expected supplement and pharmaceutical co-usage. Discontinue immediately if any side effects manifest.

Contraindications and User Warnings

While antimony potassium tartrate trihydrate will suit many supplement consumers, individuals with certain conditions or sensitivities must avoid exposure. Contraindications where use should be avoided include:

• Kidney conditions - With antimony primarily excreted renally, those with kidney disorders face greatly elevated toxicity risks if exposed beyond trace levels.
• Liver sensitivity - Antimony may possibly accumulate to higher levels in those with reduced liver function. Use is not advised in such persons.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women must avoid exposure to antimony compounds like APT trihydrate as developing babies have far less tolerance, while the elderly may have more pronounced sensitivity. Always consult your doctor before using if you have any ongoing health conditions or concerns whatsoever. Cease taking and seek urgent medical attention if any concerning symptoms manifest while supplementing products containing this compound as an ingredient.

Typical Antimony Dosage Recommendations

With the risks involved in taking supplements with antimony potassium tartrate trihydrate, following proper dosage recommendations is crucial. While therapeutic antimony doses may range widely under medical supervision, typical supplement label directions span from trace levels to around 283mg antimony per day at upper limits.

This equates to an approximate maximum daily dose range for antimony potassium tartrate trihydrate itself of:

• 50mg APT trihydrate = 21mg antimony
• 1,300mg APT trihydrate = 283mg antimony

For general health supplemental purposes, intake should remain at the lower end of this range. Those pursuing targeted therapeutic effects under practitioner guidance may utilise higher doses, provided they actively monitor for and immediately cease use upon any symptoms of excessive exposure manifesting.

Estimating Intake From Supplement Facts Labels

The percentage mass of antimony present in antimony potassium tartrate trihydrate equates to 22.1% by molecular weight. By applying this percentage, intake can be roughly gauged when reading supplement facts panels listing this ingredient.

For example, a product listing 750 milligrams of APT trihydrate per capsule would provide approximately:

750 mg x 0.221 = 166 mg antimony

Factoring in the number of capsules consumed each day allows total approximate antimony intake to be conservatively estimated and compared to maximum recommended levels to check suitability for personal use.

Carefully consider toxin accumulation potential before deciding if products featuring antimony potassium tartrate trihydrate suit your needs. Weigh up if benefits outweigh risks in your individual situation and circumstances. As always, seeking professional medical advice is recommended whenever unsure regarding the suitability of any particular supplement.