Potassium and the Importance in Nutrition

Potassium is essential to the life of every cell of a living being and is among the most generously and widely distributed of all the tissue minerals. It is found principally in the intracellular fluid where it plays an important role as a catalyst in energy metabolsim and in the synthesis of glycogen and protein. The average adult human body contains 120 g. as potassium and 245 g. as potassium chloride. Out of this body potassium, 117 g. is found in the cells and 3 g. in the extracellular compartment.

Potassium is important as an alkalizing agent in keeping a proper acid-alkaline balance in the

blood and tissues. It is essential for muscle contraction and therefore, important for proper heart

function. It promotes the secretion of hormones and helps the kidneys in detoxification of blood.

Potassium prevents female disorders by stimulating the endocrine hormone production. It is

involved in the proper functioning of the nervous system and helps overcome fatigue. It also aids

in clear thinking by sending oxygen to the brain and assists in reducing blood pressure.

Potassium is widely distributed in foods. All vegetables, especially green, leafy vegetables,

grapes, oranges, lemons, raisins, whole grains, lentils, sunflower seeds, nuts, milk, cottage

cheese and butter milk are rich sources. Potatoes, especial potato peelings, and bananas are

especially good sources. Potassium requirements have not been established but on intake of 0.8

to 1.3 g. per day is estimated as approximately the minimum need. Potassium deficiency may

occur during gastrotestinal disturbances with severe vomiting and diarrhoea, diabetic acidosis

and potassium-losing nephritis. It causes undue nervous and body tiredness, palpitation of the

heart, cloudiness of the mind, nervous shaking of the hands and feet, great sensitivity of the

nerves to cold, and excessive perspiration of the feet and hands.

In simple cases of potassium deficiency, drinking plenty of tender coconut water daily, can

make up for it. It is advisable to consume plenty of figs, apricots, prunes, almonds and tomatoes

during the use of oral diuretics. Potassium-rich foods should be restricted during acute renal

failure and Addison's disease.

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