Potassium
is a necessary macro-mineral and is required for every type of human
cell. Potassium is present inside the body cells while sodium is available outside the cell. Presence of both these
minerals in balanced amounts is important for normal function of cells. The
requirement of potassium in body is greater than any other dietary mineral and
it is also available in diet in much larger amount than other minerals.
Deficiency Symptoms
Severe deficiency
of potassium is called hypokalemia. This
deficiency can occur due to conditions like vomiting, diarrhea, diuresis (excessive
urination) or loss of excess fluid through any means. Symptoms of hypokalemia
are digestive problems, muscle weakness & cramps, cardiac abnormalities, irregular
heartbeat, intestinal & respiratory paralysis etc.
Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of Potassium for adults is 4700
mg/day. As stated above that potassium and sodium balance the functions of each
other therefore adequate amount of potassium in daily food can prevent from
several diseases of sodium excess including hypertension, stroke, kidney stones
etc.
Food Sources
Small amount
of potassium is present in almost every food. Foods with higher amount of
potassium include dark chocolate, dried milk, salmon fish, dark green
vegetables (e.g. spinach), dates, bananas, oranges, potatoes, beans, blackstrap
molasses etc.
Toxicity Symptoms
Severe excess
of Potassium is called hyperkalemia. It
happens due to renal failure. Its symptoms are temporary paralysis, muscular
weakness, irregular heartbeat etc.
Taking excess
potassium through dietary supplements can cause gastrointestinal problems
including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting etc.
