MINERALS: Potassium

Functions of Potassium
Deficiency of Potassium
Recommended dietary allowance for Potassium
Food sources of Potassium
Toxicity of Potassium
References

Potassium

Functions of Potassium

Works with sodium to regulate the body's waste balance and normalize heart rhythms.
Aids in clear thinking by sending oxygen to the brain.
Preserves proper alkalinity of body fluids.
Stimulates the kidneys to eliminate poisonous body wastes.
Assists in reducing high blood pressure.
Promotes healthy skin.

Deficiency of Potassium

In healthy individuals, potassium deficiency is not a result of insufficient dietary intake but the outcome of another primary disease or drugs as the use of diuretic agents to treat hypertension, these conditions requires dietary supplementation. Manifestations of potassium deficiency include poor reflexes, nervous disorders, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, muscle damage.

Recommended dietary allowance for Potassium

For hypertension patients using diuretic medications, it is recommended often to supplement their diet with orange juice, bananas and vegetables, which contain high amounts of potassium. Increased potassium intake helps maintain normal plasma levels.

Food sources of Potassium

The best food sources are fruits, vegetables and juices; potassium also is present in meats and cereals. There is no known food supplement which would directly increase total body potassium by compensating for a dietary potassium deficiency.

Toxicity of Potassium

Potassium accumulation in the body does not usually occur by oral therapy in the absence of a predisposing disease as renal failure.

References

Flynn, M. A, Nolph, G. B., Baker, A. S., Martin, W. M. & Krause, G. (1989) Total body potassium in aging humans: a longitudinal study. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 50: 713-717.
Forbes, G. B. & Reina, J. C. (1970) Adult lean body mass declines with age: some longitudinal observations. Metabolism 19: 653-663.
Kehayias, J. J., Fiatarone, M. A., Zhuang, H. & Roubenoff, R. (1997) Total body potassium and fat: relevance to aging. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 66: 904-910.
Kotler, D. P., Tierney, A. R., Wang, J. & Pierson, R. N. (1989) Magnitude of body-cell-mass depletion and the timing of death from wasting in AIDS. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 50: 444-447.