Potassium: Keeping a delicate balance
1983
Lecos, Chris
Potassium is necessary for the body to maintain intracellular balance. Dietary deficiencies are rare but deficiencies can result from prolonged vomiting and diarrhea, and the use of diuretics and purgatives. Eating the right foods can restore lost potassium but supplements should be taken only under a doctor's directions. Failure of the body to excrete excess potassium can cause heart or kidney disorders. Potassium and sodium intakes are interrelated and a disturbance in 1 may affect the other. The range of RDAs for healthy people for both nutrients are 1,100-3,300 milligrams for sodium and 1,875-5,625 milligrams for potassium. Potassium occurs naturally in foods but is also found in tablets, capsules, or liquids, in prescribed drugs, and in substitutes for salt. The FDA is proposing new guidelines for potassium use as a dietary or drug supplement. A list of everyday foods is given with the number of milligrams of potassium/serving. (kbc)
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