Potassium overall, has been shown to be essential in the maintenance of nerve and muscle function.

Potassium is an electrolytic mineral which means that it has a part in controlling the fluid level and acid/alkaline balance of the body and its billions of cells. Potassium is kept inside the cell and is counter-balanced by Sodium that remains outside the cell. As well as maintaining fluid and acid/alkaline balance, potassium (with Sodium is important in maintaining the electrical potential that is so vital to the transmission of nerve impulses and functioning of the muscles.

Signs and symptoms of deficiency
Potassium deficiency can present as weakness of the muscles and can adversely affecs the heart, causing heart arrhythmias (irregular beats). Acute potassium loss may in severe circumstances, even cause cardiac arrest. Mental confusion and Depression can also result from potassium deficiency and there may be an inability to gather and concentrate urine. However, deficiency is uncommon in normal situations, arising only from excessive blood loss, sweating or acute Diarrhoea.

Individuals who may benefit from supplementation
Potassium may be deficient in people who take certain diuretic medications, corticosteroids, colchicine, and haloperidol. Such individuals may need to take a potassium supplement. However, a doctor̢۪s advice should be sought first. Not all diuretics deplete potassium and some may indeed encourage its retention within the body.

Athletes or manual workers can also lose significant amounts of potassium through sweat and may benefit from a potassium supplement together with other minerals (such as Calcium, Magnesium, etc.). Long term use of certain antibiotics (especially penicillin) may deplete potassium and make a supplement advisable.

For people in general good health and for whom the above situations do not apply, supplementation with potassium is not normally advised except as part of a full spectrum multi-Vitamin And mineral tablet. (N.B. Most potassium supplements provide little potassium in comparison with the recommended daily requirement of 3500mg. so primarily food sources should be the first point of increasing cellular levels).

Food sources include

Instant coffee

Potato crisps

Raisins

Potatoes

Pork

Cauliflower

Tomatoes

Chicken

Bread, wholemeal

Peas, frozen

Streaky bacon

Oranges

Milk, whole

Eggs

Cheese

(Please note, these are not our dietary recommendations but a factual list of content. If in doubt, speak to your nutritionist)