Potassium occurs naturally in the body and is a mineral and an electrolyte. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, an electrolyte is a substance that breaks down into ions, which are charged particles that can conduct electricity. Potassium is positively charged and located within the fluid in cells. You need close regulation between potassium and negatively charged sodium ions located outside cells for normal bodily functions.
Function
Potassium is a requirement for proper growth and development. It plays a vital role in muscular contractions, nerve stimulation and the proper functioning of cells, tissues and organs. You need potassium to maintain water balance between the cells and bodily fluids, and it helps produce normal blood pressure and electrical activity of the heart. According to the American Heart Association, potassium may also reduce your risk of recurrent kidney stones and bone loss.
Sources
Potassium is an abundant mineral throughout nature and in the human body. The average daily intake for women and men is 2,300 mg and 3,100 mg per day, respectively. However, adults should consume at least 4,700 mg of potassium each day. Fruits and vegetables are especially rich in potassium. It is also in beans, meats, poultry, fish and nuts. People with kidney problems or on dialysis should not consume potassium-rich foods.
Potassium Deficiency
Low potassium, or hypokalemia, occurs when blood potassium levels drop below 3.6 to 4.8 milliequivalents per liter. Inadequate dietary intake rarely causes potassium deficiency because there are too many foods that contain this mineral. However, if you take certain heart medications designed to prevent sodium and water retention, potassium deficiency can occur due to frequent urination. Vomiting, diarrhea, diuretics, laxatives and steroids can also cause you to lose potassium. Rare physical conditions such as kidney and adrenal gland disorders decrease potassium levels, and people with inflammatory bowel disease are at risk of potassium deficiency because the intestines do not efficiently absorb nutrients.
Symptoms
Although a blood test generally determines low potassium levels, several symptoms indicate potassium deficiency. These include muscle weakness, fatigue, constipation, stomach disturbances and abnormal heart rhythms. Having a balanced exchange between potassium and sodium ions is important for proper muscle contractions. If potassium levels are low, you may experience muscle cramps. Severe hypokalemia can cause rhabdomyolysis, which is the breakdown of muscles and muscle paralysis that can affect the lungs.
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