How Does Potassium Help Cells?

Every cell of the body relies on potassium. You cannot survive without adequate intake of this essential mineral. Potassium supports the most basic functions of life at the cellular level, including heartbeat and muscle contraction. Your dietary intake of potassium also has a direct effect on your blood pressure, according to a study published in the February 2001 issue of "Archives of Internal Medicine."

Membrane Potential

Nerve impulses occur because of changes in the electrochemical environment of the body. Potassium is an electrolyte, which means it dissolves into positively charged particles in solution. Most of the potassium in the body resides inside cells, whereas sodium, an electrolyte with negative charges, is found outside of the cells. This difference both chemically and electrically is called the membrane potential. The body devotes a significant amount of energy toward ensuring this electrochemical environment remains stable, with up to 40 percent of resting calorie expenditure fueling this task. It is essential for nervous system and heart function.

Acid-Base Balance

Maintenance of the proper pH is critical. Potassium helps to ensure the body can maintain the correct pH in different areas. A pH of 7 is neutral. Measurements under 7 are acidic, while those over 7 are base or alkaline. The pH value varies depending upon the site in the body. The pH of the arteries, for example, is about 7.4, whereas it is 2 in the stomach. The skin has a pH of about 5.5. This acidic environment can serve as a barrier to disease-causing micro-organisms that may find the acidity unbearable.

Energy Production

Potassium is essential for carbohydrate metabolism. Carbohydrates provide one of the primary sources of energy for the body along with fat. Metabolism of these nutrients provides the raw materials for the cells to produce energy in a specialized organelle called the mitochondrion. All cells require energy to function and survive. As with the membrane potential, potassium helps cells to exist by ensuring adequate supplies for producing fuel.

Recommended Dietary Allowance

Several foods provide a healthy source of dietary potassium, including potatoes, bananas and plums. The adequate intake for potassium is 4.7 g per day for all adults. A deficiency can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. It can also increase your salt sensitivity, which can lead to high blood pressure. Dietary intake is important because multivitamin/multimineral supplements only contain up to 99 mg. Some individuals are at risk for deficiency. including those on diuretics or certain antibiotics. Discuss taking potassium supplements with your doctor because of the added health risks associated with excess intake.