Potassium Level & Energy

The muscles of the body use stored carbohydrates as fuel. According to the World's Healthiest Foods website, potassium is involved in this maintenance. Potassium is an essential mineral the body needs to help in metabolism. A delicate balance must be obtained in order for the body to function properly and at optimum levels. Too much or too little of potassium and the whole mechanism is thrown off track.

Identification

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, potassium is an electrolyte needed for the function of cells, tissues and organs. It is important for heart health, skeletal and muscle contraction. Potassium also plays a role in the functioning of the digestive system. Approximately 95 percent of the potassium found in the body is stored inside the cells, according to the World's Healthiest Foods website. The activity of nerve transmission relies on potassium.

Function

The Linus Pauling Institute website states that concentrations of potassium are higher inside the cells than outside. Sodium, potassium's partner, has higher levels outside the cells than inside. This difference in these concentration levels is referred to as the membrane potential. In order to keep this balance, ion pumps maintain the cell's membrane potential by pumping sodium out of the cell while pumping potassium into the cell. This activity accounts for 20 percent to 40 percent of resting energy in a typical adult, according to the Linus Pauling website.

Significance

A low level of potassium is called hypokalemia. This can result in fatigue, muscle weakness, cramps, irregular heartbeat and intestinal paralysis. A deficiency can occur from chronic diseases such as kidney disease, malabsorption or malnutrition. A loss in potassium can be from chronic vomiting or diarrhea. The World's Healthiest Foods website states that potassium deficiency causes a drop in glycogen, which is the fuel used by exercising muscles, therefore athletes may tire more quickly.

Types

The Linus Pauling Institute website recommends an adequate intake of potassium to be 4,700 mg per day for the average adult. Potassium rich foods include fruit and vegetables such as bananas, broccoli, peas, lima beans, tomatoes, potatoes, squash, kiwi, prunes and apricots. Other vegetables include spinach, lettuce and parsley. The Vitamins and Health Supplements Guide website suggest the best source of potassium is from fresh, unprocessed foods. Fish such as salmon, cod, flounder and sardines are excellent sources of potassium.

Considerations

Though it is possible to have too much potassium, referred to as hyperkalemia, it is not likely to happen when consuming potassium-rich foods alone, according to the World's Healthiest Foods website. However, toxicity may occur with potassium salts, such as potassium chloride and potassium bicarbonate. The Vitamins and Health Supplements Guide website states that potassium supplements may produce unwanted side effects like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea and toxicity may occur.