Download Nutrient Data: Potassium What is the nutrient? Potassium, plays

Nutrient Data: Potassium
1. What is the nutrient?
Potassium, plays many roles in order for the body to function properly. It plays a
role in nerve and muscle communication, removing waste products from cells,
regulating fluids and mineral balance, and balancing sodium levels. It may also
reduce risk of recurrent kidney stones and possibly bone loss as we get older.
Increased levels of sodium have a negative effect on blood pressure and diets high in
potassium help keep blood pressure levels lower.
2. What is the RDA/DRI for nutrient?
Potassium
(mg/day)
Infants
0-0.5
Infants
0.5-1
Children
1-3
Children
4-8
Children
9-13
Boys
14-70
Girls
14-70
Pregnancy
Lactation
400
700
3000
3800
4500
4700
4700
4700
5100
3. How is the nutrient metabolized?
Potassium is well absorbed from the small intestine, with about 90 percent absorption,
but is one of the most soluble minerals, so it is easily lost in cooking and processing
foods. Most excess potassium is eliminated in the urine; some is eliminated in the sweat.
The kidneys are the chief regulators of our body potassium, keeping the blood levels
steady even with wide variation in intake. The adrenal hormone aldosterone stimulates
elimination of potassium by the kidneys.
4. What are food sources of the nutrient?
 Leafy green vegetables including spinach and collards
 Vine fruits like grapes and blackberries
 Root vegetables like carrots and potatoes
 Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit
 Peaches
 Pears
 Squash
 Bananas
 Broccoli
 Beans and Nuts
 Meats and Fish
 Yogurt
 Milk
 Tomatoes
 Cantaloupe
 Whole grains
 Coffee
 Tea
Nutrition Therapy and Pathophysiology
5. What disease states alter the nutrients metabolism?
Kidney disease can cause hyperkalemia (increased potassium in the blood). Several
drugs are also known to decrease potassium excretion and cause hyperkalemia.
Hypokalemia (decreased potassium in the blood can be caused by vomiting,
diarrhea, and excessive sweating. Diuretics can also increase the excretion of
potassium in the body. On rare occasions hypokalemia can be caused by lack of
potassium intake. Alcoholic liver disease is also related to hypokalemia.
Kidneyatlas.org
6. What are the tests or procedures to assess the nutrient level in the body?
A potassium test can be ordered to assess the amount of potassium in the body.
Increased potassium levels in the blood can indicate kidney failure, diabetes,
infection, dehydration, and injury. Decreased potassium can be the result of GI
disorders, hyperaldosteronism, low potassium intake, diabetes, and the use of
diuretics.
Labtestsonline.org
7. What are the drug-nutrient interactions?
The use of diuretics and laxatives can cause more potassium to be excreted. Other
medications that can cause interactions include ACE Inhibitors, Heparin, Cyckisporine,
Trimethoprimand sulfamethoxazole, and Beta-blockers can cause potassium levels to
rise. Corticosteriod Medications, CyclosporineInsulin, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory
Drugs (NSAIDs), Thiazine diuretics, Loop diuretics, Antacids, Insulin, Theophyllinecontaining Medications can cause potassium levels to decrease. If you are taking any of
these medications, it is important for your doctor to test your potassium levels to see
whether or not you need a supplement since these medications tend to cause potassium
levels to rise.
8. How is the nutrient measured?
Most commonly potassium is measured in milligrams.
9. What is the Upper Tolerable Limit?
There is no established Upper Tolerable Limit for Potassium at the current time.
10. What are the physical signs of deficiency?
 Abnormal heart rhythms (dysrhythmias), especially in people with heart disease
 Constipation
 Fatigue
 Muscle damage
 Muscle weakness or spasms
 Paralysis
 Tingling or numbness
A large drop in potassium level may slow your heartbeat. This can cause you to feel
lightheaded or faint. A very low potassium level can even cause your heart to stop.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000479.htm
11. What are the physical signs of toxicity?
The two main signs of hyperkalemia or potassium toxicity are muscle weakness
and vomiting.