Potassium as a Supplement

Potassium depletion can be a serious health concern as potassium is a very important mineral that controls many important functions in our body. Potassium helps in the treatment of high blood pressure and controls the water balance in the body, preventing water retention. It also controls neuromuscular functions and reduces the level of acidity in muscles.

Potassium is essential for the transmission of electrical impulses to the heart, and is responsible for carbohydrate metabolism. Potassium is also responsible for the synthesis of protein from amino acids.
Because of its importance, potassium depletion in the body can cause many heart problems and affect the normal growth of our body. Potassium depletion can be tested easily by measuring the red-cell potassium levels in the blood.

Causes of Potassium Depletion

Potassium depletion can be caused due to a number of factors including:

• Malnutrition through prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating.
• The use of “potassium-depleting” diuretics such as Corticosteroids, Insulin, Antacids, Laxatives and Thiazide.
• Some minerals like sodium and magnesium also regulates the proper balance of potassium in the body. Deficiency of sodium and magnesium can also cause potassium deficiency.
• Age.

Potassium deficiency in the blood is known as hypokalemia. Read more