Potassium
Function
Maintains the water and acid balance in blood and tissue cells, assists in muscle building, and transmits electrical signals between cells and nerves. Helps the kidneys to function normally and plays a key role in cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle contraction, important for the heart and digestion to function normally.
Deficiency
Tiredness, muscle weakness, heart muscle irritability, paralysis, confusion, excessive sweating, diarrhea, vomiting
Food sources
Bananas, potatoes, beef, chicken, salmon, sardines, peas, tomatoes, leafy greens, melons, apricots and citrus fruits
For therapeutic usage with a physician
Medical doctors sometimes treat muscle pain, tummy turbulence, an unequal heartbeat with Potassium, after careful diagnose.
Toxic dose – symptoms
No adverse effects from food intake. However, an overdose intake from Potassium supplements can result in hyperkalemia and sudden death. It can be harmful to people with kidney problems because they are unable to get rid of the excess. An overdose of potassium triggers a vomiting reflex in the stomach. Babies and people with weak hearts should also be careful. When excess of potassium is present in the blood, the cause is usually a health problem such as kidney failure, uncontrolled diabetes or use of certain drugs.
AIs (Adequate Intakes)
| Infants 0-6 months 7-12 months |
Grams per Day 0.4 0.7 |
| Children 1-3 years 4-8 years |
- 3.0 3.8 |
| Males 9-13 years 14-18 years 19-30 years 31-50 years 50-70 years > 70 years |
- 4.5 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.7 |
| Females 9-13 years 14-18 years 19-30 years 31-50 years 50-70 years > 70 years |
- 4.5 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.7 4.7 |
| Pregnancy < 19 years 19-30 years 31-50 years |
- 4.7 4.7 4.7 |
| Lactation < 19 years 19-30 years 31-50 years |
- 5.1 5.1 5.1 |
Source: USDA Dietary Reference Intakes