|
PROMOTES Fluid Balance Throughout the BODY Muscle Function Heart Tissue Function Nerve Function
PROTECTS AGAINST Swelling Irregular Heart Rate Muscle Cramping Fatigue Muscle Weakness Abnormal Nerve Function
There is no RDA for potassium. Adults need about 2 to 5 Grams a day.
Overview Potassium, also known as kalium, is a soft alkali metal and one of the most active metals known. Humphrey Davy electrolyzed "fused potash" (KOH) to form pure potassium in 1807.
Potassium, an essential trace macro mineral is one of the body's major electrolytes. Electrolytes carry an electronic charge that provides the strong influence over the solubility of substances. The electrolytes regulate osmotic pressures in the body fluids and potassium is the one that predominates electrolyte activity within all the cells. In fact, cells contain more potassium than any other mineral. Approximately 98% of the total amount of potassium in the body is within the cells.
Tight control over the amount of potassium in the serum of the blood is maintained by hormones of the adrenal and pituitary glands. These hormones regulate a proper balance between all the electrolytes. Excess potassium is excreted by the kidneys. Potassium works most closely with sodium to achieve homeostasis with normal water distribution. The third major electrolyte with which potassium and sodium closely relate is chloride.
Supplemental forms of potassium are dominated by potassium chloride which is a salt and is used as a sodium chloride (regular table salt) substitute for many persons on a sodium restricted diet. Other compounds include, potassium acetate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium citrate, potassium gluconate, and potassium proteinate.
Potassium deficiency can be caused by drugs, protracted vomiting and/or diarrhea, diabetic ketoacidosis, extreme weight loss dieting, kidney disease, malnutrition and starvation. Potassium depletion can occur with the ingestion of alcohol, caffeine, large amounts of sodium chloride (table salt) or sugar, and water intoxication. Chronic stress has been shown to cause electrolyte disturbance probably secondary to excessive, sustained adrenal stimulation and has produced hypokalemia, the term for low potassium levels.
Symptoms of hypokalemia include: -Arrhythmias -Blood Pressure Disturbance -Constipation -Dizziness -Disorientation -Edema (swelling) -Muscle Spasms -Muscle Weakness -Neuron Misfirings -Polydipsia (excessive thirst)
Potassium is depleted most frequently by diuretics and cancer chemotherapeutic agents. Depletion of this electrolyte also occurs with the administration of some antibiotics, antihypertensive medications, laxatives and steroids.
See DRUG DEPLETION TABLE for specific drug information.
N/A
Potassium rich foods include fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains.
Especially good sources are: -Avocados -Bananas -Carrots -Dried Beans & Peas -Dried Fruit -Melons -peanuts -Potatoes -Tomatoes
Animal sources are: -Meat -Milk
None
Potassium works in concert with sodium to balance osmotic pressures and intracellular and extracellular water distribution throughout the body.
Potassium has important roles in critical neuromuscular impulse transmissions. The function of the heart, other muscles, and nerves are dependent on normal levels of this electrolyte.
Maintaining normal levels of potassium by eating a potassium rich diet of fresh fruits and vegetables each day has been shown to decrease the incidence of stroke.
Johnsen SP, Overvad K, Stripp C, Tjonneland A, Husted SE and Sorensen HT. Intake of fruit and vegetables and the risk of ischemic stroke in a cohort of Danish men and women. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.(2003), 57-64.
Bazzano LA, He J, Ogden LG, Loria C, Vupputuri S, Myers L, and Whelton PK. Dietary potassium intake and risk of stroke in US men and women. Stroke.(2001)32,4173-1480.
Recommended Dietary Allowance: There is no RDA -recommended dietary allowance- for potassium. The Adequate Intake (AI), described as the estimated safe daily intake for adults is 1.8 to 5.6 grams per day.
Renal failure (diminished kidney function) causes serum potassium levels to rise, a condition known as hyperkalemia which is essentially potassium toxicity and constitutes a medical emergency in the acute stage and with escalating levels. Patients with chronic renal failure many times will have chronic mild hyperkalemia for which their body compensates. Over time these compensations produce untoward effects such as calcification of the soft tissues. Some long time dialysis patients will have more calcium in their aorta than in their bones the mineral shifts in their bodies have been so profound.
Symptoms of acute hyperkalemia can include: -Arrhythmias -Decreased Cardiac Output -Cardiac arrest -Dyspnea (shortness of breath) -Disorientation -Parasthesias (decreased sensation) -Muscular Rigidity or Flaccidity |