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Table of contents:
2 What effect does potassium have on the body?
3 What is the daily requirement of potassium?
4 Which people have an increased need for potassium?
5. development of a potassium deficiency
6. symptoms and effects of potassium deficiency
7. consequences of a potassium overdose
8 Which circumstances can influence the potassium balance in the human organism?
9. which medicines have an influence on the potassium supply?
10. which foods contain a particularly high amount of potassium?
11. potassium capsules or potassium tablets?
1. what is potassium?
Potassium is a vital mineral in the human organism. It is present in the body as an electronically charged particle. These are called potassium ions and are abbreviated as K+. It is one of the most important electrolytes, the majority of which is found in the cells, especially in the muscles. Small amounts of potassium are found in the cells of the liver and bones and the red blood cells. Potassium is a component of our digestive juices in the gastrointestinal tract and supports our digestion and metabolism through the activity of the enzymes.
2 What effect does potassium have in the body?
Potassium has various effects in the human organism. The mineral is responsible for the regulation of the water balance and is mainly needed for energy production. With the help of phosphate and proteins it regulates the osmotic pressure in the cells. Potassium also plays an important role in the signal transmission of stimuli and nerve impulses. It transmits electrical impulses to muscle and nerve cells. The bulk element ensures that the osmotic pressure is maintained, the blood pressure is regulated and protein and glycogen are formed. It regulates the balance between acids and bases and is the antagonist of sodium. The mineral is needed for the regulated functioning of the cardiovascular system, nerve stimuli, muscle contractions and enzymes. Our muscles can work optimally with the right amount of potassium. Potassium also keeps the pulse stable and ensures a regulated heartbeat. This prevents irregularities and heart rhythm disturbances such as extrasystoles.
3 What is the daily requirement of potassium?
The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) estimates the daily requirement of potassium for an adult at about 4000 mg. Children need about half of this amount. The potassium content depends on the metabolically active body mass. In general, it can be said that the daily requirement depends on various factors: body mass, height, age, sex. In total, the body of a man contains about 150 grams of potassium, whereas the storage of women contains only 100 grams of potassium. Prolonged fasting can reduce the potassium level in the body.
4 Which persons have an increased need for potassium?
An increased potassium requirement exists for ...
- heavy alcohol consumption
- permanent stress load
- Violations
- Misuse of laxatives
- vomiting, diarrhoea
- high salt intake
- elderly persons
- Magnesium deficiency
- acute renal failure
- the use of certain drugs (e.g. diuretics)
5. development of a potassium deficiency
A lack of potassium is usually indicated by very unspecific symptoms. Many people feel tired and weak when the potassium level is too low. If a potassium deficiency (hypokalemia) is suspected, the potassium level in the blood is no longer within the normal range. For this reason, you should have a potassium measurement taken by a doctor you trust. Specific symptoms such as muscle weakness, constipation, weakness or trembling can indicate an acute deficiency. Both too much and too little potassium can cause cardiac arrhythmia. As a rule, a potassium deficiency can be compensated for very quickly by eating foods containing potassium. In addition, the potassium level can be helped with the help of dietary supplements after consultation with the doctor treating the patient.
6. symptoms and effects of a potassium deficiency
If the potassium level is too low, the body may react with the following symptoms:
- Constipation (constipation)
- cardiac conduction disorders
- signs of paralysis of the musculature
- Tachycardia (palpitations)
- Headaches
- Tiredness
- Circulatory problems and dizziness
- increased urinary excretion
- raised blood pressure
7. consequences of a potassium overdose
Side effects can also occur if potassium is overdosed:
- Hyperkalemia
- Nausea, vomiting
- diarrhoea, intestinal obstruction
- Muscular weakness
- Tiredness, headaches
- Confusion and hallucinations
- cardiac dysfunction
- Muscle twitching
8 Which circumstances can influence the potassium balance in the human organism?
- Loss of red blood cells after injuries or burns
- diarrhoea, inflammatory intestinal diseases, strong vomiting
- Acidification
- Insulin deficiency or diabetes mellitus
- reduced potassium excretion e.g. due to heart failure
- an excessive intake of dietary fibre and a lack of magnesium reduce the intake of potassium from food
- long-term malnutrition
- Dehydration due to insufficient liquid supply can lead to disturbance of the water and electrolyte balance and thus to a lower potassium intake
9 Which medications have an influence on the potassium supply?
Many medications can inhibit the absorption of the right amount of potassium. These include:
- ACE inhibitors
- Cardiac glycosides
- Beta blocker
- Potassium chloride
- Diuretics
- Antibiotics
- ASS
- Inflammation inhibitors
10. which foods contain a particularly high amount of potassium?
Potassium is mainly found in plant foods such as bananas, potatoes and dried fruit. Other foods include skimmed milk products, offal, nuts and cocoa. The potassium content is particularly high in concentrated form, such as in tomato paste or dried fruit.
Foods with a high potassium content:
- Dried apricots: approx. 1700 mg
- Beans, peas, lentils: approx. 1500 mg
- Dried peaches: approximately 1100 mg
- Tomato purée: approximately 100 mg
- Dates: approximately 800 mg
11. Potassium capsules or potassium tablets?
Potassium is offered in the form of capsules and tablets. Both forms are easy to handle and get into circulation quickly. However, potassium tablets are often sold in pharmacies, which in many cases have been manufactured with artificial additives and/or abroad. Potassium capsules contain only the active ingredient in a vegetable cellulose shell and can therefore be produced without fillers. In general, it should always be ensured that the product has been produced in Germany in order to ensure a consistently high preparation quality.
12 What is potassium citrate?
Potassium citrate is the potassium salt of citric acid. Potassium citrate has a particularly high valency, as it can be easily utilised by the body and is very well tolerated.
Our recommendation:
Vitamineule® Potassium Capsules
In our online shop you will find our potassium capsules from Vitamineule®, which are completely free of artificial additives.
The potassium capsules contain a total of 553 mg pure potassium citrate with 200 mg potassium content per capsule. Each can contains 90 capsules. Besides fast & free shipping, we offer a voluntary six-month return guarantee for all products.
13. conclusion
Potassium is a vital element in the human body. It is important for the acid-base balance, for the transmission of nerve impulses and the maintenance of osmotic pressure. The daily requirement of potassium for an adult should be about 4000 mg. An increased potassium requirement exists, for example, in the case of heavy alcohol consumption, permanent stress, and in the elderly. High amounts of potassium are mainly found in plant foods such as dried fruit. To be supplied durably sufficiently with potassium, we recommend our Vitamin Owl® Potassium Capsules. They are free of additives and were produced in Germany.