Your body produces vitamin D after exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Some foods also supply natural sources of vitamin D. This vitamin helps your body absorb calcium and plays an important role in your ability to form and maintain strong bones. While potassium won't cause or cure a vitamin D deficiency, a condition known as renal tubular acidosis may include low levels of both these nutrients.
Vitamin D
As little as 10 minutes in the sunlight each day may help prevent vitamin D deficiencies in most people, although some individuals may experience problems absorbing this vitamin. Dietary sources of vitamin D include cod liver oil, fish, eggs and fortified dairy products. The daily recommendation for vitamin D in adults under the age of 50 is 400 IU daily, while adults between the ages of 50 and 70 require 400 IU per day. People over the age of 70 require 600 IU of vitamin D every day.
Deficiency
A vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets in children and weak bones in adults, as well as muscular weakness. Elderly people, individuals with limited sun exposure and people with malabsorption syndromes, such as Crohn's disease and cystic fibrosis, are at a risk of developing a vitamin D deficiency.
Potassium
Potassium is a mineral that supports the health of all your cells and tissues. It conducts electricity in your body, making it a type of electrolyte. It is a crucial to the way your heart functions, as well as the health of other muscles, including both skeletal and smooth muscle fibers. As well as supplying your body with vitamin D, certain types of fish, such as cod, flounder and salmon also provide potassium. Many fruits, legumes and vegetables provide dietary sources of potassium. Although more research is necessary, a diet rich in potassium may improve the health of your bones, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Adults require 2,000 mg if potassium per day.
Renal Tubular Acidosis
Renal tubular acidosis, or RTA, occurs when your kidneys do not succeed in removing acids from your body, causing your blood to become too acidic. This condition may lead to bone disease, kidney failure and growth retardation. RTA may result in a vitamin D deficiency. A low blood-potassium level often accompanies this. Taking vitamin D supplements may help prevent bone problems, while correcting low potassium levels can help produce normal growth patterns and allow the bones to mature properly.
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