Potassium - A mineral
- 1. BY: - M . P SANDHYA
- 2. What is potassium? Potassium is the third most abundant mineral in the body Potassium is a mineral that your body needs to work properly. It is a type of electrolyte. It helps your nerves to function and muscles to contract. It helps your heartbeat stay regular. It also helps move nutrients into cells and waste products out of cells. A diet rich in potassium helps to offset some of sodium's harmful effects on blood pressure. Roughly 98% of the potassium in your body is found in your cells. Of this, 80% is found in muscle cells, while the other 20% can be found in bones, liver and red blood cells
- 3. Sources of potassium The most common source of potassium is from food. Potassium-rich sources include: fruits, such as apricots, bananas, kiwi, oranges, and pineapples vegetables, such as leafy greens, carrots, and potatoes lean meats whole grains beans and nuts Most people get enough potassium by eating a balanced diet. For low potassium levels, a doctor may prescribe the mineral in supplement form. If you have a severe deficiency, you may need intravenous (IV) treatment.
- 4. Dailyrequirement Age Male Female Pregnancy Lactation Birth to 6 months 400 mg 400 mg 712 months 860 mg 860 mg 13 years 2,000 mg 2,000 mg 48 years 2,300 mg 2,300 mg 913 years 2,500 mg 2,300 mg 1418 years 3,000 mg 2,300 mg 2,600 mg 2,500 mg 1950 years 3,400 mg 2,600 mg 2,900 mg 2,800 mg 51+ years 3,400 mg 2,600 mg
- 5. FUNCTIONS OF POTASSIUM Electrolytes conduct electrical impulses throughout the body. They assist in a range of essential body functions, including: blood pressure normal water balance muscle contraction nerve impulses Digestion heart rhythm pH balance (acidity and alkalinity) Your body doesnt produce potassium naturally. So, its important to consume the right balance of potassium-rich foods and beverages. Consuming too little potassium can lead to serious health issues. However, taking in too much can cause temporary or long-term health problems. Healthy kidneys maintain normal potassium levels in the body because they remove excess amounts through urine.
- 6. Potassium deficiency Certain conditions can cause potassium deficiencies, or hypokalemia. These include: kidney disease overuse of diuretics excessive sweating, diarrhea, and vomiting magnesium deficiency use of antibiotics, such as carbenicillin and penicillin The symptoms of hypokalemia are different depending on how severe your deficiency is. A temporary decrease in potassium may not cause any symptoms. For example, if you sweat a lot from a hard workout, your potassium levels may normalize after eating a meal or drinking electrolytes before any damage is done. However, severe deficiencies can be life-threatening. Signs of a potassium deficiency include: extreme fatigue muscle spasms, weakness, or cramping irregular heartbeat constipation, nausea, or vomiting Hypokalemia is usually diagnosed with a blood test. Your doctor may also order an electrocardiogram of your heart and an arterial blood gas test to measure pH levels in your body.