Potassium
Potassium is an essential element that acts as an electrolyte.
Potassium ions regulate the body's fluid and blood pressure
levels in concert with sodium ions by taking on positive or
negative charges. Among the plethora of its roles in the body,
potassium helps regulate muscle contraction, assists in the
metabolism of sugar to glycogen, and is instrumental in transmitting
nerve impulses.
Potassium deficiency can occur if you lose large amounts
of fluids through vomiting, diarrhea or sweating. Potassium
deficiency causes abnormal heart rate, muscle weakness, and
paralysis. It may also contribute to high blood pressure.
Food sources of potassium include sardines, whole wheat pasta
and bread, wheat germ, bran, tomatoes, lima beans, nuts, apricots,
raisins, figs, dried fruit, bananas, cantaloupe, and orange
juice.
Health benefits of potassium
- Needed for regulating fluids in the body
- Assists in maintaining normal blood pressure
- Needed for healthy heart
- Needed for normal muscle contraction
- Assists in sugar metabolism
- Assists in transmission of nerve impulses
Recommendations
RDI/AI – 4700 mg per day
UL – ND
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Principal Author: M. Ofiyeva
Date of Initial Publication: 07/05/2007
Article Last Updated: 03/10/2011