Potassium
POTASSIUM is closely linked to the history of sodium. Materials containing both compounds, particularly carbonates and nitrates, were known to some of the earliest civilizations. Records show that they were used in Mesoptamia in the 17th century BC and in Egypt soon after. However, ancient technicians and artisans who used these materials could not distinguish between them. It was not until 1807 that potassium was isolated and given the chemical symbol of K for kalium, the Latin word for "alkali." In 1938, it was officially proven that potassium was an essential nutrient for humans, even though it had been suggested as such much earlier.
Potassium is the major cation (positively charged ion) in intracellular fluid, taking up 98%, with the rest found in extracellular fluid. The average adult body contains about 250 grams. Potassium works with sodium to regulate heart rhythm and water balance. An imbalance between the two can impair nerve and muscle function, including the heart muscle. Because potassium and sodium are opposites, they work together to keep a balance of salt in the body. An imbalance can lead to high blood pressure (hypertension -- HTN).
Vegetarians are known to have higher levels of potassium in their diets than meat eaters, since potassium is abundant in plant foods. This could help explain their lowered incidents of hypertension compared to those who eat meat. Studies have shown that people who consume large amounts of dietary potassium display a lower incidence of HTN. Potassium helps counteract the effects of salt. Some suggest that high blood pressure is not caused by, or worsened by, too much salt, but by the lack of sufficient potassium and water. A potassium deficiency decreases the desire for water, thus worsening dehydration, a major contributor to HTN. Potassium has no effect on normal blood pressure, only on hypertension.
Diruetics are known to cause considerable potassium loss, but there are such potassium-sparing medications as amiloride, triamterene, and spironolactone. Sugar consumption also plays a major role in depleting potassium levels. Excessive sugar intake, as well as hypoglycemia, can contribute to potassium loss just as much as severe diarrhea. Stress can also deplete potassium stores. Potassium can be lost after vigorous exercise, but one banana or a serving of vegetables is enough to replace that loss.
Potassium can improve learning by sending more oxygen to the brain and has been known to relieve colic and aid in the treatment of some allergies. It helps reduce blood pressure and sugar levels in diabetics and can assist in the proper elimination of body wastes and in the treatment of diarrhea. It has proven effective in reducing death rates caused by strokes.
There is no RDA. However, more than 25 gms. of potassium chloride can produce toxicity. Organic potassium (gluconate, citrate, fumerate) are better forms to take over the inorganic potassium "salts" (sulphate, chloride, oxide, and carbonate).
Names include: K, K+, element 19, and can be listed on commercial labels as potassium chloride, potassium glycerophosphate, and potassium iodide.
Deficiency symptoms include: decreased blood sugar, confusion, anxiety, nervous system deterioration, depression, deterioration of memory, ear noises, acne, dry skin, granulation of eyelids, blistering skin eczema, skin eruptions, warts, insomnia, digestive upsets, gas, constipation, nausea, improper fat digestion, yellow coating on back on tongue, heart deterioration, muscular weakness, pains in extremeties, fatigue, faint/rapid pulse.
Toxicity symptoms include: increased T-waves and decreased P-waves, cardiac arrest, slow/irregular pulse, decreased blood pressure, diarrhea, anxiety, muscular weakness, numbness, and tingling in hands/feet/tongue.
Inhibitors include: cortisone and aldosterone drugs, alcohol, coffee, sugar, diuretics especially thiazides, aspirin (salicylates), rubidium, antibiotics especially penicillin and gentamycin, antituberculosis drugs such as capreomycin and p-aminosalicylic acid; antifungal drugs such as amphotericin B; antigout; antiparkinson (L-Dopa); and laxatives containing phenolphtalein which are found in many over-the-counter drugs (Ex-Lax, Feen-A-Mint, Dulcolax, Senokot).
Helpers include: Vitamin B6, magnesium, and sodium.
Note: Supplements of potassium chloride require a prescription and should be taken only under the supervision of a physician. They should also be cautiously taken with antihypertensives called "ace inhibitors" (captopril, enalapril, and others). These drugs have potassium-sparing properties, which can cause potassium to rise to unsafe levels in patients who have compromised kidney function and can lead to death.
