Potassium works with sodium to regulate the body’s waste balance and normalize heart rhythms. It is needed for many functions such as growth, building muscles and transmission of nerve impulses. Potassium is lost in excessive sweating and urine and so foods like bananas are important for sports. Furthermore, if you are suffering from vomiting or diarrhea you may require more potassium. It preserves proper alkalinity of body fluids and assists in reducing high blood pressure along with promoting healthy skin. Potassium also stimulates the kidneys to eliminate poisonous body wastes.
Importance of Potassium:
classified as an electrolyte
involved in both electrical and cellular functions
Good sources of Potassium are:
fruit
fish
whole grains
Deficiency of Potassium may cause:
poor reflexes
nervous disorders
respiratory failure
cardiac arrest
muscle damage
Adequate Intake (AI) for Potassium:
children 1-3 yrs 3.0 g
children 4-8 yrs 3.8 g
children 9-13 yrs 4.5 g
Males 14-70+ yrs 4.7 g
Females 14-70+ yrs 4.7 g
Pregnancy 19-50 yrs 4.7 g
Lactation 19-50 yrs 5.1 g
Tags: Mineral
