Potassium Introduction

Potassium may be the most important electrolyte for the maintenance and proper balance of body fluid. Potassium and sodium work closely together in maintaining the internal and external fluid balance of all cellular structures located throughout the body. The majority of potassium found in the body is located in muscle tissues.

Potassium is available for biochemical use through a number of forms. The forms found in dietary sources include; potassium acetate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium citrate, potassium chloride, and potassium gluconate.

Potassium also regulates the body’s acidity levels, or PH levels. Having a proper fluid balance is fundamental in regulating smooth muscle, cardiac, kidney, and skeletal functioning. Potassium is also vital for the proper conduction of nerve impulses that stimulate muscle contraction.

The best food sources for potassium include fruits, vegetables, and juices. Potassium intakes may vary due to individual absorption rates and consumer product choices. The dietary sources listed below are based upon the percentage of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) in a particular food source. Percentages are based upon a 3.5oz serving: [1]

There are a variety of conditions directly associated with adequate intakes of potassium. Hypokalemia (having too little potassium concentration in the blood) may be among the most critical of potassium-related conditions to correct. Studies suggest that this stage of potassium deficiency may be in direct correlation with cardiac, and/or congestive heart failure. [2] Signs of abnormal heart rhythm and function are usually measured by a physician via EKG, or electrocardiogram. Potassium may also prevent the likelihood of one developing high blood pressure, a contributing factor to cardiovascular health.

Another disease that may be directly affected by depleted potassium levels is IBD, or Inflammatory Bowel Disease. [3, 4, 5] This includes both Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis.

Potassium has the ability to provide for other preventative properties. As we age, potassium may assist us in the ability to preserve the bone mass developed in the first three decades of our lives. [6] Proper dietary intakes of potassium may lessen the likelihood of an individual developing a disorder associated with his/her skeletal structure. Furthermore, a diet that is adequately supplied with potassium may also reduce the incidence of stroke in both men and women. [7, 8]

Lastly, lower potassium serum levels in the blood may increase the occurrence of asthma in children, and the development of kidney stones in adults. [9, 10]

The recommended daily intakes of potassium, or Estimated Minimum Requirement (mEq):

Potassium Deficiencies:

As previously mentioned, hypokalemia is the primary deficiency associated with the dietary absence of potassium. Illness (flu), fasting, diarrhea, eating-disorders, vomiting, or use of diuretics, are all areas of concern in the development of any mineral deficiency.

Certain medications may further inhibit the absorption of potassium and other minerals. Persons suffering from severe burns, diabetes, and kidney disease are especially at risk. Sign and symptoms of potassium deficiency includes; cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), extreme fatigue and muscle weakness, irritability, muscle paralysis. If a severe potassium deficiency is left uncorrected, further complications may arise, including death. [11]

Of Note: the body’s supply of potassium decreases with age. This is due to the loss of muscle tissue and function; referred to as sarcopenia. Therefore, it is imperative to obtain adequate intakes of potassium via diet, or by means of nutritional supplementation.

Potassium Toxicities:

The excess intake of potassium is usually characterized by nausea and diarrhea. Hyperkalemia is the term used to describe excess potassium serum levels in the blood. Certain medications, such as ACE inhibitors, can cause increase levels of potassium in blood. Excessive intakes of potassium (acute hyperkalemia) can prove lethal; progressing from an initial decrease in heart rate, to cardiac arrest.

1. High potassium foods. Foods High in potassium. Table of foods rich in Potassium. 2003. www. weightlossforall.com/potassium- rich-food.htm.

2. Wester PO, et al. Intracellular Electrolytes in Cardiac Failure. Acta Med Scand Suppl. 1986; 707: 33-36.

3. Sacks FM, Willett WX, Smith A, et al. Effect on blood pressure of potassium, calcium, and magnesium in women with low habitual intake. Hypertens. 1998; 31(1): 131-138.

4. Hermansen K. Diet, blood pressure and hypertension. Br JNutr. 2000: 83(Suppl 1): S113-119.

5. Reif S, Klein I, Lubin F, Farstein M, Hallak A, Gilat T. Pre-illness dietary factors in inflammatory bowel disease. Gut. 1997; 40: 754-760.

6. Tucker KL, Hannan Mt, Chen H, Cupples LA, Wilson PW, Kiel DP. Potassium, magnesium, and fruit and vegetables intakes are associated with greater bone mineral density in elderly men and women. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999; 69 (4): 727-736.

7. Ascherio A, Rimm EB, Hernan MA, et al. Intake of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and fiber and risk among U.S. men. Circ. 1998; 98: 1198-1204.

8. Iso H, Stampfer MJ, Manson JE, et al. Prospective study ofcalcium, potassium, and magnesium intake and risk of stroke in women. Stroke. 199; 30(9): 1772-1779.

9. Gilliland FD, Berhane KT, Li YF, Kim DH, Margolis HG. Dietary magnesium, potassium, sodium, and children’s lung function. Am J Epidemiol. 2002. 15; 155(2): 125-131.

10. Curhan GC, et al. A prospective Study of Dietary Calcium, and Other Nutrients and the Risk of Symptomatic Kidney Stones. N Engl J Med. Mar 1993; 328(12): 833-38.

11. Herbert, Victor. “Vitamins and Minerals Plus Antioxidant Supplements” Total Nutrition Ed. Victor Herbert, M.D., Genell J. Subak-Sharpe, M.S. New York: Saint Martin’s Griffin, 1995. 94-118.