Potassium

Type: Lesser Element
Periodic Element: (K)
RDA: Not established; diet adequate in calories provides ample amount, i.e., 2500 mg. about 1.0-2.0g (normal diet provides 2-6g/day)
Importance- To Body:
Its ionic (K⁺) is the major postive ion (cation) in cells. Necessary for conduction of nerve impulses and moscle contraction. Helps maintain intracellular osmotic pressure; Necessary for buffering, needed for normal nerve impulse transmission and conduction, muscle contraction, glycogenesis, protein synthesis.
Distribution- In Body:
0.4 Approx. % of Body Mass
Principal intracellular cation, 97% within cells; fixed proportion of K are used to determine lean body mass; K+ leaves cells during protein catabolism, dehydration, glycogenolysis; excreted in urine.
Excess Effects:
Heart block, Complication of renal failure or severe dehydration, but may result from severe alcoholism; paresthesias, muscular weakness, cardiac abnormalities.
Deficiency Effects:
Changes in Heart Function, Alteration in Muscle Contraction, Alkalosis; Rare but may result from severe Diarrhea or Vomiting; Muscle Weakness, Paralysis, Nausea, Tachycardia, Heart Failure
Sources Food:
All foods, especially Meats, Vegetables, Avocados, Dried Apricots, Fish, Fowl, Cereals, Milk
Sources Environmental/Geographic:
None listed
Supplemental information: