Learn Glossary biochemistry

Potassium

Major intracellular cation, critical for membrane potential, muscle and cardiac function, and counterion for sodium effects on blood pressure; AI is 3,400 mg/d adult men, 2,600 mg/d adult women.

Also: K

High dietary potassium (from fruits, vegetables, legumes, dairy) lowers blood pressure, reduces stroke risk, and improves bone health by reducing urinary calcium loss. Hyperkalemia is dangerous in CKD, advanced heart failure, and with K-sparing diuretics or RAAS inhibitors. The 2019 DRI revision introduced an AI rather than an EAR because dose-response evidence for chronic disease was insufficient. Salt substitutes using KCl have been shown to reduce stroke and cardiovascular mortality in high-quality trials.

How each textbook covers it

  • duyff-complete-food-and-nutrition-guide-5e

  • Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed.Ch 68: Diet and Blood Pressure

    High dietary potassium (from fruits, vegetables, legumes, dairy) lowers blood pressure, reduces stroke risk, and improves bone health by reducing urinary calcium loss. Hyperkalemia is dangerous in CKD, advanced heart failure, and with K-sparing diuretics or RAAS inhibitors. The 2019 DRI revision introduced an AI rather than an EAR because dose-response evidence for chronic disease was insufficient. Salt substitutes using KCl have been shown to reduce stroke and cardiovascular mortality in high-quality trials.

Related terms

DASH diet, Hyperkalemia, Hypertension, Sodium