What is Potassium?
Potassium is an essential dietary mineral and electrolyte required for normal cellular function. Potassium deficiency has been repeatedly linked to negative outcomes including muscle weakness, spasms, heart palpitations and feelings of fatigue highlighting the key role of this mineral in health. As the body cannot produce potassium itself, it must be obtained regularly through the diet and supplements. Food sources rich in potassium include potatoes, spinach, bananas, dairy, and fish such as salmon.
Health Benefits:
Supports Cardiovascular Health
The negative implications of potassium deficiency on heart health is well established with links to increased blood pressure and greater risk of arrhythmias and cardiovascular disease. This has led to extensive research being conducted into the use of potassium to support cardiovascular health. One study found evidence that suggests supplementation with potassium can significantly reduce systolic blood pressure and lower risk of incident stroke in those with hypertension.
Maintains Muscle Function
As an electrolyte, potassium supports proper muscle contraction and relaxation through helping nerves transmit signals to muscles and contributing to maintaining fluid balance within cells. Associations between low levels of potassium and increased weakness, fatigue and muscle cramps have been found, indicating that potassium is key to muscle function and comfort.
Contributes to Bone Health
Potassium may also offer a range of benefits for bone health including reduced risk of osteoporosis and enhancing bone mineral density. One argued mechanism through which potassium may support healthy bone mineral density is its ability to reduce calcium loss and therefore improving calcium's retention and use in the bones.
Typical Use:
Potassium is primarily obtained through a balanced diet, however it is also commonly used within nutritional supplements in electrolyte formulas and mineral blends. Such supplements are particularly well suited for individuals with increased needs for potassium intake due to physical activity, sweating, or dietary restrictions.
Sources:
https://www.who.int/tools/elena/interventions/potassium-cvd-adults
https://www.bmj.com/content/346/bmj.f1378
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8101903/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2161831322011279
