Potassium

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Other names
Synopsis
Uses: Health Conditions
Uses: Body Systems
Products

Other names for potassium

Acesulfame potassium
Antimony potassium tartrate
dipotassium phosphate
Glucosamine potassium sulfate
K⁺
Polacrilin potassium
Potassium acetate
Potassium Alpha-Ketoglutarate
Potassium alpha-ketoisocaproate
Potassium aluminum silcate
Potassium ascorbate
potassium ascorbate
potassium aspartate
Potassium aspartate-citrate
Potassium benzoate
Potassium Beta-Hydroxybutyrate
potassium bicarbonate
Potassium Bicarbonate
potassium bisglycinate
Potassium bitartrate
Potassium borate
Potassium caprylate
Potassium Carbonate
potassium chelate
Potassium Chloride
potassium chloride
Potassium Chloride
Potassium chlorite
Potassium Citrate
Potassium Citrate
potassium citrate
Potassium citrate malate
Potassium dichromate
Potassium diphosphate
Potassium glucarate
Potassium Gluconate
potassium glycinate
Potassium hydroxide
Potassium hydroxycitrate
potassium iodide
potassium iodine
Potassium malate
Potassium metabisulfite
Potassium molybdate
Potassium Nitrate
Potassium oxide
Potassium phosphate
potassium phosphate
Potassium pyruvate
Potassium silicate
Potassium sorbate
potassium sorbate
Potassium Sulfate
Potassium taurate
Potassium-iron silfate

Synopsis of potassium

Potassium is a major essential mineral and electrolyte required for numerous physiological processes in the human body. As a positively charged ion (K⁺), potassium plays a central role in nerve transmission, muscle contraction (including heart rhythm), fluid and electrolyte balance, and acid-base regulation. It works in close opposition to sodium to maintain cellular hydration and membrane potential, making it critical for cardiovascular health and neuromuscular function.

Potassium is found abundantly in whole foods, especially fruits (bananas, oranges, avocados), vegetables (spinach, sweet potatoes, beet greens), legumes, nuts, and dairy. The recommended dietary intake for adults is approximately 2,500 to 3,400 mg per day, depending on age, sex, and health status.

A deficiency in potassium (hypokalemia) may result from poor diet, excessive losses (e.g., through vomiting, diarrhea, or diuretic use), or underlying diseases. Symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, cramps, arrhythmias, and constipation. On the other hand, excessive potassium (hyperkalemia), often due to impaired kidney function or certain medications, can be dangerous and may lead to life-threatening heart rhythm disturbances.

Potassium supplements are used to restore normal levels in deficient individuals and are often prescribed alongside diuretics to prevent depletion. In functional and preventive medicine, maintaining optimal potassium levels is seen as protective against hypertension, stroke, and osteoporosis.

Historical Use in Medicine:
The recognition of potassium as a key component of human physiology emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries, as chemists began isolating mineral salts from natural sources. The name “potassium” comes from “potash” (plant ashes leached in pots), from which it was originally derived.

Early observations of potassium’s medicinal effects were tied to the use of potassium salts such as potassium nitrate (saltpeter), used historically for reducing high blood pressure, acting as a diuretic, and treating bladder infections. Potassium bicarbonate and citrate were used in 19th-century medicine to alkalinize the urine and manage kidney stones or gout.

By the 20th century, with the advent of electrolyte testing and fluid replacement therapies, potassium became a standard part of intravenous rehydration protocols, especially in hospitals and emergency medicine. Its importance in heart function became widely understood with the use of electrocardiograms (EKG), which clearly reflected changes in potassium levels.

Today, potassium remains one of the most clinically monitored electrolytes, essential not only for routine health but also in the management of chronic conditions like hypertension, kidney disease, heart failure, and osteoporosis, where its balance with sodium and other minerals significantly impacts outcomes.

Potassium is used for these health conditions

Alkalosis (Scientific)
Arrhythmia (Scientific)
Cardiovascular Disease (Scientific)
Congestive Heart Failure (Scientific)
Cramps (leg) (Scientific)
Cramps and Spasms (Scientific)
Edema (Scientific)
Fatigue (Scientific)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Kidney Stones (Scientific)
Muscle Tone (lack of) (Scientific)
Radiation Sickness (Scientific)

potassium is used to support these body systems

Arteries (Scientific)
Blood (Scientific)
Brain (Scientific)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Digestive System (Scientific)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Scientific)
Heart (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Kidneys (Scientific)
Muscles (Scientific)
Nerves (Scientific)
Urinary System (Scientific)

Products containing potassium

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