Biochemical functions of potassium Because potassium is the most significant cation in the intracellular space, it is involved in the activity of every cell: Maintenance of potential difference across membranes – with this function, potassium is particularly important for cell membrane bioelectricity and cell excitability, respectively, that is, normal neuromuscular excitability, stimulus formation, and cardiac … Potassium: Functions
Interactions of potassium with other micronutrients (vital substances): Calcium Potassium can also influence calcium metabolism. For example, high potassium intake prevents increased renal calcium excretion, which is often a consequence of high saline intake. Potassium thus promotes calcium retention in the kidney. It is possible that potassium contributes to reduced calcium removal from the bones … Potassium: Interactions
An abnormally low blood serum potassium concentration is called hypokalemia (potassium deficiency). Hypokalemia (potassium deficiency) is most often due to excessive loss of potassium – for example, during prolonged vomiting or the use of diuretics. Symptoms of hypokalemia (potassium deficiency) include fatigue, muscle weakness and cramps, constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain. Severe hypokalemia (potassium deficiency) … Potassium: Symptoms of Deficiency
Risk groups for deficiency Women and men, respectively, >= 65 years of age (due to insufficient food intake, frequent use of medications – diuretics, laxatives). Discussed an increased need for athletes and heavy workers (after several hours of continuous exercise about 300 mg potassium / L are lost through sweat). Persons with Increased gastrointestinal losses … Potassium: Risk Groups
The European food safety authority (EFSA) was unable to derive a safe maximum daily intake for potassium based on the available data. Based on more recent data, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has established a safe maximum daily intake for potassium in addition to conventional dietary intake that does not cause any … Potassium: Safety Assessment
In the National Nutrition Survey II (NVS II, 2008), the dietary behavior of the population was investigated for Germany and it was shown how this affects the average daily nutrient intake with macro- and micronutrients (vital substances). The intake recommendations (D-A-CH reference values) of the German Nutrition Society (DGE) are used as the basis for … Potassium: Supply Situation
The intake recommendations (D-A-CH reference values) of the German Nutrition Society (DGE) presented below are aimed at healthy people of normal weight. They do not refer to the supply of sick and convalescent people. Individual requirements may therefore be higher than the DGE intake recommendations (e.g., due to dietary habits, consumption of stimulants, long-term medication, … Potassium: Intake
