Potassium depletion occurs when rate of loss through renal excretion and/or GI tract exceeds intake. Supplementation with potassium-containing products may alleviate depletion. Potassium plays essential role in the conduction of nerve impulses in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscle; plays a role in contraction of cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscles. Alginic acid is used in combination with an antacid or histamine H2-antagonist in the management of gastro-esophageal reflux disease. It reacts with gastric acid to form a viscous gel which acts as a mechanical barrier to reduce reflux.