Potassium

Essential for

water balance in the body
muscle contraction
acid-alkali balance
nerve impulse transmission
energy metabolism
protein and carbohydrate metabolism
a healthy heart and blood vessels

Absorption and metabolism

Potassium is well absorbed.

Deficiency

Potassium deficiency may lead to an increased risk of high blood pressure.

Sources

Foods high in potassium include fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Daily recommended dietary intakes

The estimated minimum requirement for a healthy person is 2000 mg.

Toxic effects of high intake

Toxic effects include muscular weakness, ulcers, low blood pressure and, in high enough doses, coma and death.

Interactions

Potassium interacts with sodium, calcium, magnesium and chlo- ride. High sugar intakes can lead to low potassium levels.

Therapeutic uses of supplements

Potassium has been used to treat cases of depletion, fatigue, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and kidney stones.

Cautions

Those with kidney disease or ulcers should not take potassium supplements.

Potassium
Potassium health
Potassium absorption
Potassium deficiency
Potassium sources
Potassium recommended daily
Potassium supplements
Potassium overdose
Potassium interactions

Potassium
Sodium
Chloride

Other Minerals:

Boron
Calcium
Chromium
Cobalt
Copper
Electrolytes
Potassium
Sodium
Chloride
Fluoride
Iodine
Magnesium
Manganese
Molybdenum
Nickel
Phosphorus
Selenium
Silicon
Sulfur
Vanadium
Zinc