potassium Flashcards
is potassium the major intra or extra cellular ion
major intracellular ion, so high inside cell. So opposite from sodium
how many g of potassium is there in adult body
About 120 g in adult body (2 800-3 500 mmol)
what percentage of potassium in the body is intracellular
95%
what are the LRNI and RNI for potassium in adults
LRNI RNI
50 mmol/d 90 mmol/d
2.0 g/d 3.5 g/d
this is similar to sodium’s levels
what happens to sodium content during processing of food
In contrast to sodium, the amount of potassium is mainly reduced or unchanged by processing of foods
what type of foods are often higher in potassium
unprocessed foods like wheat flour
tomatoes
carrots
boiled potatoes
herring
beef
what did the ‘Dietary and Nutritional Survey of British Adults’ shows the mean intake to be
2-3 g/d (higher for males than females).
what age groups/gender dont meet the LRNI for potassium
young reproductive females
which is surprising considering how widespread this nutrient is in foods.
This widespread occurrence of potassium means what
frank deficiencies are relatively unknown.
what percentage of potassium comes from
dairy
veg
and cereals
25 % K from dairy products
25 % K from vegetable matter
15 % K from cereals
potassium is in relatively high concs in what foods
citrus fruits, green vegetables, bananas, potatoes
explain coffee and potassium relationship
Coffee is also high in K (45 mg per cup) and can be a major source of intake (up to 15 %)
what is potassium required for
its an electrolyte so important function in electro excitable tissue like muscles and nerves
Required for:
normal functioning of nerves
normal functioning of muscle
sugar metabolism
acid/base balance
oxidative respiration - oxygen metabolism in brain
heart function
enzyme systems
protein metabolism
whats the definition of hypokalaemia
low level plasma K+
explain hypokalaemia
It is difficult to produce K+ intoxication or deficiency in normal subjects. So diet alone is not usually associated with hypokalaemia and hyperkalaemia
Incorrect potassium balance can affect the heart causing arrhythmias and possibly death, as interfere with contraction rhythm of heart, by missing a beat or an extra beat.
Potassium deficiency can express itself as fatigue, muscle weakness, fluid accumulation, constipation and disorders of the nervous system.
whats the definition of hyperkalaemia
high level plasma K+
explain hyperkalaemia
Can be due to excess fluid loss from diarrhoea or vomiting
can produce symptoms of drowsiness, arrhythmia and disorientation
Normally, excess potassium intake is excreted in urine (80 %), faeces and sweat
Normally, excess potassium intake is excreted in what
urine (80 %), faeces and sweat
Very high potassium intake can decrease the efficacy of what
of anticoagulant medicines given to patients with cardiovascular diseases. Sometimes, it may be necessary to increase drug dose
renal patients may have to take low potassium diets to help them with what
to cope with their condition.
patients with what diseases have problems with potassium levels
Diabetes mellitus, cancer, heart disease, liver,
and kidney patients
