Potassium: Supply Situation

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 assessing nutrient supply. A comparison of the nutrient intake determined in the NVS II with the recommendations of the DGE shows for which micronutrients (vital substances) there is a more frequent undersupply in Germany.

For potassium, the reference values were revised by the German Nutrition Society (DGE) in 2016. Now an estimated value is given for an adequate potassium intake for women and men, whereas previously it was an estimated value for a minimum intake.

Regarding the supply situation, it can be stated:

  • Overall, 56% of men and 77% of women aged 35-50 years do not reach the recommended daily intake of potassium.
  • The worst-supplied men (aged 35-50 years) lack 1,806 mg of potassium. This represents a daily shortfall of 45% of the recommended intake.
  • The worst-supplied women (aged 35-50 years) lack 2,130 mg of potassium. This corresponds to a daily shortfall of 53% of the recommended intake.
  • Pregnant women have no additional need for potassium compared to their non-pregnant peers. They are therefore subject to the same shortfall situation. Accordingly, the worst supplied pregnant women lack 2,130 mg of potassium per day.
  • Breastfeeding compared to their non-breastfeeding peers have a 400 mg higher requirement for potassium, namely 4,400 mg of potassium per day. The worst-supplied breastfeeding women (aged 25-34 years) lack 2,597 mg of potassium. This corresponds to a daily shortfall of 59% of the recommended intake.

Since the intake recommendations of the DGE are based on the needs of healthy and normal-weight people, an individual additional need (eg due todiet, stimulant consumption, long-term medication, etc.) may be above the intake recommendations of the DGE.