Potassium (K) provides the body fluid and electrolyte balance together with sodium. Potassium is necessary for the activity of all muscles, including the heart. It helps to transport nutrients to the cells and to remove waste products from the cell. It is found in 98% of the cells.
The blood values of potassium are between 3.5-5.1 mmol/L. Values below are considered low blood potassium (hypopotashemia or hypokalemia), and values above are considered high blood potassium (hyperpotassemia or hyperkalemia). It gives findings according to the level of deficiency or excess.
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Where to get potassium?
- Dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, chard, etc.),
- Greens (lettuce, arugula, parsley, etc.),
- Root vegetables (pataes, carrots, beets etc.),
- Yellow fruits (banana, melon, pear, apricot etc.),
- Avocado,
- Legumes (beans, chickpeas, etc.),
- Nuts (walnuts, almonds, peanuts, etc.),
- Whole grains,
- Bulgur wheat,
- Tea, coffee, cocoa drinks.
Boiling juices of vegetables are rich in potassium. For this reason, it is recommended to consume vegetables after the first boiling water is poured to limit potassium intake in kidney patients.
What are the functions of potassium?
- Fluid electrolyte balance,
- Regulation of blood pressure,
- Transmission of nervous system signals,
- Muscle contractions,
- Protein synthesis,
- Secretion and control of hormones,
- Insulin metabolism,
-
Control of bowel movements.
What is the potassium requirement?
- 0 – 1 year old child: 800 mg/day
- 1-3 years old child: 2000 mg/day
- Children 4-8 years: 2300 mg/day
- 9-13 years old child: 2500 mg/day
- Boy 14 years and older: 3400 mg/day
- Girl 14 years and older: 2600 mg/day
- Pregnancy period: 2900 mg/day
- Lactation period: 2800 mg/day
What happens in potassium deficiency?
Causes of potassium deficiency (hypokalaemia) are usually:
- Not enought feeding,
- Losses in the form of vomiting, diarrhea,
- Intestinal adenomas,
- Kidney failure,
- Fanconi syndrome,
- Cushing’s syndrome
- Diabetic ketoacidosis,
- Steroid therapy.
Potassium deficiency sometimes does not cause symptoms. Possible signs, symptoms, and diseases include:
- Weakness, fatigue,
- Anorexia,
- Nausea, vomiting,
- Loss of strength in the muscles,
- Muscle cramps,
- Heart rhythm disorder,
- Palpitation,
- Breathing difficulties,
- Numbness in hands and feet.
What happens with an excess of potassium?
Excess potassium (hyperkalemia) usually develops due to excessive intake in the form of supplements or decreased excretion due to kidney disease. In some heavy exercise situations, there may be temporary increases in simple infections.
Symptoms, signs and diseases of hyperkalemia include:
- Fatigue, weakness,
- Palpitation,
- Heart rhythm disorder,
- Breathing difficulties,
- Weakness in the muscles,
- Muscle cramps,
- Numbness in hands and feet
- Consciousness disorders.