Canned Tuna & Potassium

The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least two times per week for a variety of health benefits. Canned tuna is a great way to fulfill the recommended fish intake as it is low in fat and high in several vitamins and minerals, as well as healthy oils and protein. It provides a minor amount of potassium, an essential mineral and electrolyte.

Potassium Content

In general, fruits and vegetables are the best sources of potassium, but meats and fish can contribute to daily potassium needs as well. A 3 oz. serving of canned light tuna in oil contains 176 mg of potassium, or 3.7 percent daily value based on a 2,000-calorie diet, according to Calorie Lab. A 3 oz. serving of canned white tuna in oil contains the highest amount of potassium, with 283.1 mg, or 6 percent daily value. Both light tuna and white tuna canned in water contain 201.5 mg of potassium, or 4.3 percent daily value, per 3 oz. serving.

Dietary Reference Intakes

Potassium is an important mineral for proper functioning of the body. The Institute of Medicine recommends 4,700 mg per day for adults, adolescents and pregnant women. Children ages 9 to 13 should consume 4,500 mg per day, ages 4 to 8 approximately 3,800 mg, and ages 1 to 3 about 3,000 mg. Infants needs between 400 and 700 mg and women who are lactating need 5,100 mg, according to the Institute of Medicine.

Function

Potassium functions as a dietary mineral and electrolyte, a substance that conducts electricity in the body that is required for the conduction of nerve impulses and muscle contraction. Potassium is required for normal cellular function as is the primary intracellular cation, or positively charged ion in the body. It plays a large role in balancing the fluids of the body and is vital in maintaining the proper contraction of the heart. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, diets rich in potassium are associated with a decreased risk of stroke, high blood pressure and osteoporosis.

Deficiency

Hypokalemia is medical term for lower than normal potassium levels in the blood. Minor drops in potassium levels generally produce no symptoms, but more severe cases of hypokalemia can be life-threatening. There are many causes of low potassium levels in the blood, such as antibiotic use, diarrhea, diseases that affect the kidneys and a lack of sufficient potassium in the diet, according to MedlinePlus. Symptoms of hypokalemia include abnormal heart rhythms, fatigue, loss of muscle fibers and possible paralysis if potassium levels become too low.