Potassium

Question 1

Potassium

Answer 1

• Potassium (K) is the principal cation inside body cells

* Along with Sodium Chloride, it is a key electrolyte in the body.

Question 2

Potassium: Food Sources

Answer 2

• Food Sources: Widely distributed but highest in plant sources.
Vegetables: raw spinach (558mg), baked potato with skin
Fruit: avocado (396mg), banana, kiwi, melon, papaya
Grains: quinoa (740mg), rye flour, buckwheat, oats
Nuts & seeds: pistachio (1042mg) , sunflower, pumpkin
Seafood: clams (628mg), crab, red snapper, salmon
Meat & dairy: calf’s liver (364mg), pork, cheddar (98mg)

Question 3

Potassium: Roles

Answer 3

Osmotic pressure and electrolyte balance

Enzyme cofactor

Question 4

Potassium: Osmotic Pressure and Electrolyte Balance - Functions

Answer 4

• The concentration difference of potassium and sodium across cell membranes is critical for:

• Nerve transmission (action potential)
• Muscle function

Question 5

Potassium: Therapeutic Uses

Answer 5

• Rarely used therapeutically except in hypertension.

* Electrolyte loss e.g. post diarrhoea, and following prolonged exercise consider using coconut water

Question 6

Potassium: Enzyme co-factor - Functions

Answer 6

• Potassium is a cofactor for enzymes involved in energy metabolism, glycogenesis, cellular growth and division.

Question 7

Potassium Deficiency

Answer 7

• Potassium levels are very tightly regulated by homeostatic mechanisms in the kidneys.
• Deficiency ( hypokalaemia ) usually results from excessive losses

Question 8

Potassium: Causes of Deficiency

Answer 8

Diuretics that enhance K loss
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Laxative abuse
Chronic renal disease

Question 9

Potassium: Deficiency Signs and Symptoms

Answer 9

Muscle cramps/fatigue/weakness
High blood pressure/Irregular beat
Mental confusion/fatigue/irritability
Insatiable thirst
Insomnia

Question 10

Potassium Toxicity

Answer 10

• Potassium toxicity does not occur from overeating K rich foods.
• However, it can result from excessive potassium salts, supplements or certain diseases (e.g. kidney failure). Due to the risk with supplements, always try to increase K using foods.
• Acute potassium toxicity from supplements can lead to cardiac arrest.
• Chronic potassium toxicity can lead to cardiac irregularities, paralysis of extremities, mental confusion, tingling, weakness, kidney failure and adrenal insufficiency.