DESCRIPTION/FUNCTION

• Potassium is classified as a macromineral. Potassium helps regulate acid-base equilibrium and osmotic pressure of body fluids; influences muscle activity, especially cardiac muscle.

DRI (RDA or AI for Adults)

• Adults: 4,700 mg.
• Lactation: 5,100 mg.

MAJOR SOURCES

• Fruits, vegetables, dairy products.
• Specifically: soynuts, blackstrap molasses, pistachios, beet greens, prunes, clams, avocado, molasses, lowfat yogurt, almonds, tomato juice, baked potato w/skin, cantaloupe, orange juice, Swiss chard, lima beans, banana.

MAINTENANCE/THERAPEUTIC RANGE

• Adjust dietary intake to achieve 3,000 mg to 5,000 mg per day.

POSSIBLE THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS

• High blood pressure
• Stroke

COMMENTS

• It is easier to increase potassium through dietary changes than using nonprescription supplements, which are limited to 99 mg per pill.

CAUTIONS

• Consult with your health practitioner if you have kidney disease or are taking potassium-sparing diuretics or other heart medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors).