Plays an important role in water balance and nerve and muscle function. Deficiency symptoms include Cramps, fatigue, heart irregularities and Headache.
Sources
Milk, beef, soya flour, dried fruits, vegetables, cereals. A vegetarian diet has a better sodium and potassium balance than an omnivorous one.
Supplements Available
Tablets of potassium chloride and other salts, salt substitutes such as ruthmol, also found combined with diuretic tablets.
DRV*
Infants 850-700 mg
Children 800-2,000 mg
Women 3100-3,500 mg
Men 3,100-3,500 mg
Side Effects
Weakness and heart problems. High doses in the elderly can seriously affect kidney function.
N.B. Use salt substitutes containing potassium such as ruthmol, but don't take more than you would if using ordinary salt. Take it with or after food to avoid stomach irritation.
Important Notes
Dosages advised are deliberately on the safe side and may not be high enough to give benefit, but it is recommended that higher dosages should only be taken under the care of a practitioner experienced in nutritional medicine.
Side Effects refer to effects of much larger doses on the whole than those recommended here.
* for explanation, please see Introduction to Nutritional Supplements |
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