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Potassium

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Proper name	Potassium (element symbol is "K")
Category	Mineral. (Potassium is one of the electrolyte minerals. The electrolytes are sodium, potassium and chloride. They each have a weak electromagnetic charge that allows them to affect the solubility of proteins and other substances).
Functions	Potassium (along with sodium, calcium and magnesium) regulates heartbeat, nerve conduction and muscle contraction. Potassium along with chloride, helps maintain osmotic equilibrium thus ensuring the proper distribution of water in the body. Adequate levels of potassium help prevent high blood pressure and are associated with a lower risk of stroke. Potassium is needed to store protein and glycogen in the muscles.
RDA	1,875 to 5,625 mg per day for adults. The average diet is estimated to contain from 2,000 to 4,000 mg per day. Persons who eat large amounts of fruits and vegetables are estimated to consume 6,000 to 11,000 mg per day.
Therapeutic dose	A normal diet that includes fruits and vegetables should contain adequate potassium. Supplemental potassium is not generally recommended except for persons taking diuretics. Please check with your doctor if you are on diuretics.
Deficiency symptoms	Deficiency symptoms include; irregular heartbeat, fatigue, muscle weakness, edema, mental confusion, poor reflexes, dizziness, thirst and constipation. Deficiency may be caused by chronic stress, excessive use of diuretics including caffeine and alcohol, diarrhea, malnutrition, excessive intake of salt or sugar. Potassium is stored along with glucose in the formation of glycogen. If a diabetic is given glucose and insulin to treat acidosis, the resulting production of glycogen may deplete serum potassium.
Toxicity	Toxicity is rare except in the case of renal failure. Potassium excretion may also be diminished in adrenal disease. Excessive potassium levels may cause cardiac arrythmia, mental confusion, numbness of the extremities and labored breathing.
Best forms	Slow-release potassium chloride
Food sources	All fruits and vegetables, particularly bananas and citrus. Potassium is also present in legumes, whole grains, meat and milk products.
Lab tests	Serum potassium
Drug interactions	Potassium is depleted by the following drugs: Aspirin, Benzthiazide, Bisacodyl, Bumetanide, Chlorothiazide, Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate, Choline Salicylate, Cholchicine, Cholchicine and Probenecid, Corticosteroids, Ethacrynic Acid, Furosemide, Hydrocholothiazide, Indapamide, Methyclothiazide, Metolazone, Polythiazide, Quinethazone, Sodium Bicarbonate, Torsemide and Trichlormethiazide.
Nutrient interactions	Potassium works well with other nutrients. If sodium levels are low, potassium may be excreted in the urine to preserve sodium, causing potassium deficiency.
Metabolism	Potassium is easily absorbed in the small intestine. Prolonged diarrhea can result in potentially fatal potassium loss. Potassium is essential to muscle and nerve function. 98% of the potassium is stored inside cells. The kidneys protect against potassium loss but not as effectively as they protect against sodium loss. Potassium is lost primarily through urinary excretion at an average rate of 160mg per day.