Potassium - Health Benefits

Introduction

This section describes the essential functions and therapeutic uses of Potassium.

Cardiovascular System

 Potassium helps to regulate Blood Pressure and may lower Blood Pressure in High Blood Pressure patients:    ^[1]

 Caution:  Do not supplement with the Potassium Chloride form of Potassium as its Chloride content can exacerbate Hypertension.

 Potassium Bicarbonate is the recommended form of Potassium for lowering Blood Pressure.

 Potassium may help to prevent Preeclampsia.  ^[2]

 The Blood Plasma contains approximately 4 - 5 mg Potassium per 100 ml.

 Bradycardia (slow, irregular Heartbeat) may occur as a result of Potassium deficiency. 

 Potassium may maintain the transmembrane electrical potential of the Cardiac Muscle and may thereby regulate contractions of the Cardiac Muscle.

 Potassium may be beneficial for the treatment of Congestive Heart Failure.  ^[3]

 Red Blood Cells contain an average of 420 mg of Potassium and Potassium may be required for the optimal function of Red Blood Cells. 

 Potassium may help to prevent Stroke.  ^[4]

Cells

 Retarded Growth may occur as a result of Potassium deficiency.  ^[5]

 Potassium is the principal cation (positively-charged Ion) inside the body's Cells - it is found in the Intracellular Fluid at a concentration of 5,220 mg per liter. 

Detoxification

 Potassium may reduce the body's absorption of some types of Radioactive Isotopes. 

Digestive System

 Constipation may occur as a result of Potassium deficiency. 

 The Potassium Chloride form of Potassium may alleviate Hypochlorhydria by contributing to the production of endogenous Hydrochloric Acid. 

Excretory System

 Potassium (especially the Potassium Phosphate form) may alleviate Urinary Incontinence.