Potassium is an essential mineral for our body to function properly.
Potassium contributes to many bodily functions, including:
Potassium is an important electrolyte that regulate the amount of water inside the cells.
Potassium is required to generate nerve impulses by moving ions out of cells.
Potassium mitigates the rise of blood pressure in response to excess sodium intake.
Recommended Daily Allowance for a 44-year-old male moderately active, weighting 70 kg and 175 cm tall is 4 700 mg (1).
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The signs and symptoms of potassium deficiency include (2) :
In healthy people with normal kidney function, high dietary potassium intakes do not pose a health risk because the kidneys eliminate excess amounts in the urine.
However, in people with kidney disease or diabetes, potassium from supplements or salt substitutes can result in hyperkalaemia and possibly sudden death (3).