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POTASSIUM

Facts

  • Potassium in the form of K+ is the most essential cation of the cells, according to the American Society for Nutritional Sciences. Its concentration is regulated by the cell membrane through the sodium-potassium pump.1
  • Potassium accounts for approximately 5 % of the total mineral content of the body.2
  • A low-sodium diet enhances the conservation of potassium in the body, whereas a high sodium diet expedites its excretion.3 In addition, according to Prescription for Nutritional Healing, as we age, the function of decreases which may account for some cases of circulation damage, lethargy and weakness.1

Functions

  • Besides maintaining water balance, pH and distribution within the body, potassium is also key for a healthy nervous system, regular heart rhythm and proper muscle function.1
  • Potassium is necessary for chemical reactions within the cells and helps in maintaining normal blood pressure and in generating electrochemical impulses.1
  • In persons with hypertension, potassium can dramatically lower both systolic and diastolic pressure.
  • It functions in cell metabolism, enzyme reactions and the synthesis of muscle protein from amino acids in the blood.2 It works with phosphorous to send oxygen to the brain and functions with calcium in regulating neuromuscular activity.2 It is also necessary for healthy skin.1
  • Potassium will also stimulate the kidneys to eliminate poisonous wastes.2

Requirements

No Recommended Daily Allowance has been set for Potassium.

Signs of Deficiency

Excessive urinary losses caused by a high intake of salt have caused potassium deficiency to become rather common.2 Symptoms include: abnormally dry skin, acne, chills, cognitive impairment, constipation, depression, diarrhoea, diminished reflexes, oedema, glucose intolerance, insatiable thirst, insomnia, slow and irregular heartbeat, nervousness, high cholesterol levels, muscle weakness, periodic headaches and vomiting.

Note

Persons who are diabetic, have diseases of the digestive tract are often deficient in potassium. High sodium intake, use of diuretics, kidney disorders, high stress levels and diarrhoea can disrupt potassium levels. Caffeine intake and smoking also reduce the absorption of potassium.1

Signs of Toxicity

According to the American Society for Nutritional Sciences, urinary excretion usually protects against the accumulation of high amounts of potassium. Acute hyperkalemia can cause cardiac arrest, however, no dosage level was mentioned.

Current Research

Hypertension
Researchers in Israel examined the eating habits of vegetarians whose average age was 60 versus similarly aged meat-eaters. Both groups consumed the same intake of salt and had the same genetic predisposition for hypertension. Researchers found a very low prevalence of hypertension in the vegetarians, which the researchers attributed to a potassium rich diet of vegetables, fruits and nuts that protected the vegetarians from developing hypertension.3

Researchers speculate that potassium is effective for hypertension because it appears to be able to "slough off" sodium.3

Headache-Related Allergies
According to Nutrition Almanac, "Since potassium is essential for the transmission of nerve impulses to the brain, it has been effective in the treatment of headache-causing allergies."2

Muscle Cramps
According to James Knochel, M.D., chief of medical services with the Veterans Administration in Dallas, Texas, potassium may help with cramps. "A potassium deficiency also impairs the ability of the muscles to use glycogen, a sugar that is their main source of energy,"

Knochel states. "Potassium and other mineral deficiencies may also affect the 'excitability' of nerves their tendency to fire off a series of muscle-cramping messages. And they may affect the muscles' 'fatigue threshold' their ability to do more work without becoming tired or spasm-prone."3

 

1 Balch, J.F. and P.A. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Avery Publishing, 1997: pp27-28.

2 Dunne, L.J. Nutrition Almanac, 3rd ed. McGraw-Hill Publishing Company, 1990: pp84-86.

3 Prevention Magazine Staff. Complete Book of Vitamins and Minerals. Rodale Press, 1988:pp.334-335;322.

4 Barney, P. Doctor's Guide to Natural Medicine. Woodland Publishing, 1998:pp.40

5 Kehayias J., Pierson R., Potassium http://www.nutrition.org/nutinfo/content/pota.shtml.

6 Schauss, A. Minerals and human health: the rationale for optimal and balanced trace element levels. Life Sciences Press, 1995: pp.25-26.