Potassium in diet

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Potassium in diet

Definition:

Potassium is a mineral involved in electrical and cellular body functions. In the body, potassium is classified as an electrolyte.

Alternative Names:

Diet - potassium

Function:

Potassium is a very important mineral to the human body. It has various roles in metabolism and body functions and is essential for the proper function of all cells, tissues, and organs:

It assists in the regulation of the acid-base balance.
It assists in protein synthesis from amino acids and in carbohydrate metabolism.
It is necessary for the building of muscle and for normal body growth.

Review Date: 12/22/2005
Reviewed By: William McGee, M.D., M.H.A., Assistant Professor of Medicine and Surgery, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, and Director ICU Quality Improvement, Critical Care Division, Baystate Medicine Center, Springfield, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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