Potassium is an essential mineral that plays a variety of important biochemical roles in the human body.

Plays an essential role in:

• transmission of nerve impulses.
  
  
• contraction of muscles.
  
  
• production of energy.
  
  
• maintenance of intracellular tonicity.
  
  
• regulation of blood pressure.
  
  
• Evidence suggests that diets high in potassium may help to protect against hypertension, strokes, cardiovascular disease, and quite possibly other degenerative diseases.
  
  
• Potassium, the major intracellular cation in the body, is required for normal cellular function.

Potassium deficiency

Severe potassium deficiency is characterized by hypokalemia.

Moderate potassium deficiency, which typically occurs without hypokalemia, is characterized by increased blood pressure, increased salt sensitivity, an increased risk of kidney stones, and increased bone turnover (as indicated by greater urinary calcium excretion and biochemical evidence of reduced bone formation and increased bone resorption). An inadequate intake of dietary potassium may also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly stroke.

Optimal Potassium intake

On the basis of available data, an Adequate Intake (AI) for potassium is set at 4.7 g (120 mmol)/day for all adults.

Click here for Potassium RDA  table

Potassium Forms

There are several potassium supplemental forms available, including potassium chloride, potassium citrate, potassium gluconate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium aspartate, and potassium orotate.