Potassium in diet

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Potassium in diet

Definition

Potassium is a mineral involved in electrical and cellular body functions. In the body, potassium is classified as an electrolyte.

Alternative Names

Diet - potassium

Function

Potassium is a very important mineral to the human body. It has various roles in metabolism and body functions and is essential for the proper function of all cells, tissues, and organs:

It assists in the regulation of the acid-base balance.
It assists in protein synthesis from amino acids and in carbohydrate metabolism.
It is necessary for the building of muscle and for normal body growth.

References

Panel on Dietary Reference Intakes for Electrolytes and Water, Standing Committee on the Scientific Evaluation of Dietary Reference Intakes. Dietary Reference Intakes for Water, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, and Sulfate. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; 2004.

Review Date: 3/2/2007
Reviewed By: William McGee, M.D., M.H.A., Assistant Professor of Medicine and Surgery, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, and Chairman, Nutrition Committee, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA. and Alice O'Connor, MS, RD, LDN, CNSD, Clinical Dietitian, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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