Potassium in Oysters

Oysters are bivalve shellfish that are found in shallow ocean waters. They can be caught in the wild, but most are grown in oyster farms. Some varieties are harvested for food. Common varieties include American oysters, blue point oysters, common oysters and kaki. Oysters are low in calories and contain vitamins and minerals, including potassium.

Oyster Nutrition

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, six medium oysters contain 104 mg of potassium. They also have 4.38 grams of protein, 1.3 grams of fat, 4.86 mg of iron, 31.85 mg of zinc, 53.5 mcg of selenium, 3.9 mg of vitamin C, 1.1 mg of niacin, 15 mcg of folate and 13.6 mcg of vitamin B12. Six oysters also have 50 calories.

Potassium

Potassium is a dietary mineral that works with sodium to balance the fluids in your body. Increasing your potassium intake may counteract the sodium, which can protect you from high blood pressure. Your kidneys regulate your potassium levels. Information from Colorado State University says potassium deficiency can occur from severe diarrhea, poor diabetic control, extremely low calorie diets, chronic alcoholism, hard exercise, diuretics and laxatives.

Recommended Intake

The Food and Nutrition Board of the Institutes of Medicine determines the adequate intake, or "AI," for potassium. Children need 3.0 grams per day from ages 1 to 3, and then 3.8 grams per day until age 8. Teens need 4.5 grams per day, and adults need 4.7 grams of potassium per day.

Other Sources of Potassium

Potassium is found in fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat and nuts. It's also an ingredient in some salt substitutes. Potassium is available as a dietary supplement, but large amounts of supplemental potassium can result in hyperkalemia -- elevated potassium levels in the blood -- in people with kidney problems or diabetes. Speak to your doctor before taking potassium supplements.