Potassium, important in large quantities
Potassium contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system. It is important for normal muscle function and contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure. Potassium citrate has a particularly high value. The advantage of potassium chloride is its faster effect on the muscles, which is particularly important for people with abnormal blood pressure and athletes. Potassium bicarbonate has a slightly alkaline effect and must first be converted to potassium citrate in the stomach for absorption. This could cause problems for people with a lack of stomach acid, e.g. those who take acid blockers because of stomach problems. They should absorb potassium directly as potassium citrate... Read more
Pay attention to the correct form of potassium!
We contain potassium bicarbonate in Kristall Base Intra and Kristall Base Extra.
Other legally authorised sources of potassium are
- Potassium carbonate
- Potassium gluconate
- Potassium glycerophosphate
- Potassium lactate
- Potassium hydroxide
- Potassium L-pidolate
- Potassium malate
- Potassium salts of orthophosphoric acid.
A potassium deficiency is rather rare, it can mainly be caused by vomiting, diarrhoea, adrenal gland disorders or the use of diuretics. A low potassium level can lead to cramps, tremors, weakness or even paralysis of muscles, and cardiac arrhythmia can occur.
In general, potassium is primarily synonymous with vegetables, so a deficiency is also conceivable if someone has an extremely low vegetable diet or lives mainly on fast food.
Even if potassium has a very high or undeclared Upper Limit (UL) or is considered safe in Germany, you should not overdo it. Extremely high potassium intake can lead to cardiac arrhythmia just as much as too low an intake.
In Germany and Austria, the daily requirement is given as 4 g per day. It should be noted that it should primarily be taken in through the diet, i.e. lots of vegetables. Supplements only make sense if there is a deficiency. It is also often used by athletes, but only makes sense for competitive athletes. Normal athletes do not need any additional minerals, just as they do not need any additional protein, etc. The normal daily supply is sufficient for "normal athletes".