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Potassium is a chemical element in the periodic table. It has the symbol K (L. kalium) and atomic number 19. The name potassium comes from the word potash, as potassium was first isolated from potash. Potassium is a soft silvery-white metallic alkali metal that occurs naturally bound to other elements in seawater and many minerals. It oxidizes rapidly in air, is very reactive, especially in water, and resembles sodium chemically.
Potassium in diet
Potassium is an essential mineral macronutrient in human nutrition; it assists in muscle contraction and in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in body cells. Potassium is also important in sending nerve impulses as well as releasing energy from protein, fat, and carbohydrates during metabolism.
A shortage of potassium can cause a potentially fatal condition known as hypokalemia, frequently caused by diarrhea, increased diuresis and vomiting. Deficiency symptoms include dry skin, acne, chills, diarrhea, impaired cognitive function, muscle spasms, arrhythmia, decreased reflex response, thirst, glucose intolerance, growth retardation, insomnia, cholesterol, and decreased blood pressure.
Eating a variety of foods that contain potassium is the best way to get an adequate amount. Healthy individuals who eat a balanced diet rarely need supplements. Foods with high sources of potassium include bananas, avocados, celery and turnips, although many other fruits, vegetables, and meats contain potassium. Research has indicated that diets high in potassium can reduce the risk of hypertension. Soil conservation practices often focus upon the sustainable withdrawal of phosphorus from soil systems.
The 2004 guidelines of the Institute of Medicine specify an RDA of 4,700 mg of potassium. However, it is thought that most Americans consume only half that amount per day ([1]). Similarly, in the European Union, particularly in Germany and Italy, insufficient potassium intake is widespread ([2]).
Some people with kidney disease are advised to avoid large quantities of dietary potassium.
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