Potassium

What does it do?

• Acid-Base and Fluid/Water balance
• Controls activity of heart muscles
• Nervous system, kidneys, muscle function
• Electrolyte for fueling exercise
• Fuels the immune system
• Prevention and control of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
• Helps to prevent kidney stones

What are the deficiency symptoms?

• Poor reflexes
• Irregular heartbeat, heart disturbances
• Dry skin
• General weakness
• Paralysis

Best Food Sources

• Lean meats, vegetables, potatoes, bananas, white beans, poultry, fish, avocado, spinach, fruits, citrus fruits and juices, tomato juice, coffee, clams, nonfat yogurt, raisins, rainbow trout, dried apricots, cantaloupe, lima beans, skim milk, yams, peaches, prunes, prune juice, stewed tomatoes, winter squash, catfish, lean pork, lean veal, cod, flounder, currants, oranges, orange juice

U.S. RDI (Recommended Daily Intake)

• No RDA established (3,500 mg based on a 2,000 calorie diet)