Is an element that’s essential for the body’s growth and maintenance. It’s necessary to keep a normal water balance between the cells and body fluids, for cellular enzyme activities and plays an essential role in the response of nerves to stimulation and in the contraction of muscles. Potassium is found in many plant foods and fish (tuna, halibut): chard, mushrooms, spinach, fennel, kale, mustard greens, Brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage winter squash, eggplant, cantaloupe, tomatoes, parsley, cucumber, bell pepper, turmeric, ginger root, apricots, strawberries, avocado and banana.
An alkaline metallic element whose chemical symbol is K (kalium) and that occurs abundantly in nature but always in combination. It is an element that is vital to proper nutrition.
An essential mineral. Main intracellular cation; plays an important role in the Na⁺K⁺ pump, and in the maintenance of cell volume, acid-base balance, muscle contraction, nerve conductance, and protein synthesis.
A mineral that is vital to maintaining the body’s normal heart rhythm, water balance, and functioning of nerves and muscles, often working in combination with sodium and calcium. Potassium is found in many foods, but especially good sources are orange juice, bananas, dried fruits, peanut butter, and potatoes. Too little potassium {hypokalemia) can cause muscle weakness and irregular heartbeat; it is associated with loss of body fluids through vomiting and diarrhea and is especially common in children with diabetes mellitus and Cushing’s syndrome. Too much potassium {hyperkalemia), as from taking excess potassium supplements or as a result of kidney and urological disorders, can also cause heart irregularities and even cardiac arrest.
An element that is in the alkali group of metals. It has an atomic symbol K, atomic number 19, and atomic weight 39.10. It is the chief cation in the intracellular fluid of muscle and other cells. Potassium ion is a strong electrolyte and it plays a significant role in the regulation of fluid volume and maintenance of the water-electrolyte balance.
Optional on nutrition label unless added as a nutrient supplement. A mineral which assists in muscle contraction, maintenance of fluids, and electrolyte balance in body cells. It also sends nerve impulses and releases energy from protein, fat and carbohydrates.
A mineral involved in the functions of the kidney, heart, muscles and nerves. Potassium is found in fruits and vegetables.
Potassium is a macromineral found within the body as the most predominant intracellular cation. In the diet, potassium is obtained from an array of fresh foods including fruits (such as bananas, citrus fruits, peaches, and more), vegetables (such as potatoes, broccoli, etc.), dairy foods, and eggs. Potassium is critical for electrolyte balance, which controls, at least to some extent, fluid balance, action potentials/nerve transmission, active transport mechanisms, and more. Adequate intake of potassium appears to be important for the prevention of hypertension. Deficiency of potassium can also produce muscular weakness and cardiac arrhythmias when blood levels drop below normal, a condition referred to as hypokalemia. The importance of potassium with regard to electrolyte replacement in athletes is discussed in the entry for electrolytes.
Metallic element, essential to life. It is the major intracellular ion, functioning in nerve and muscle activity.
A mineral involved in both electrical and cellular functions in the body. Potassium is important to the body as an electrolyte involved in the regulation of both water and acid-base balance. Potassium also helps in protein synthesis from amino acids, in carbohydrate metabolism, in the building of muscle, and in normal growth processes.
A metal whose salts are widely used in medicine. All salts of potassium depress the heart’s action as a result of action by the potassium ion.
A mineral element that serves as both the principal cation in intracellular fluid and an important electrolyte in extracellular fluid. Along with other electrolytes (e.g., sodium, magnesium, calcium, chloride), potassium participates in many functions, including cell membrane homeostasis, nerve impulse conduction, and muscle contraction.
A metallic element that is important in body functions such as regulation of blood pressure and of water content in cells, transmission of nerve impulses, digestion, muscle contraction and heartbeat.
Potassium is a mineral present in various food sources such as whole grains, meat, legumes, and select fruits and vegetables. It plays a vital role in numerous physiological processes within the body, including the optimal functioning of nerves and muscles.
An essential metallic mineral required to uphold regular heart rhythm, manage the body’s hydration equilibrium, transmit nerve signals, and facilitate muscle contractions.
Potassium is present in numerous foods, with notable dietary sources including lean meat, whole grains, green leafy vegetables, legumes, and an array of fruits like apricots, dates, and peaches.
When the blood’s potassium levels dip below normal, the condition is termed hypokalemia. Typically, this situation arises due to fluid loss caused by diarrhea and/or vomiting, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness, and muscle weakness. Children are especially prone to this type of potassium depletion. In instances of more pronounced hypokalemia, irregular heart rhythms and muscle paralysis may occur.
Additional potential triggers for hypokalemia encompass extended usage of diuretic or corticosteroid medications, excessive use of laxatives, diabetes mellitus, Cushing’s syndrome (excessive production of corticosteroid hormones by the adrenal glands), aldosteronism (abnormal production of the hormone aldosterone by the adrenal glands), specific kidney disorders, heightened consumption of coffee or alcohol, and excessive and intense sweating.
An elevated concentration of potassium in the bloodstream is termed hyperkalemia, and it is notably less frequent than hypokalemia. This condition might arise from an excessive consumption of potassium supplements, severe kidney dysfunction, Addison’s disease, or prolonged usage of potassium-sparing diuretics. High levels of potassium in the blood can result in sensations of numbness and tingling, irregularities in heart rhythm, and even muscle paralysis. In severe instances, it could lead to heart failure.