Potassium, important in larger amounts
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 effectiveness. The advantage of potassium chloride lies in its faster effect on the muscles, which is particularly important for people with abnormal blood pressure and athletes. Potassium bicarbonate is mildly alkaline and must first be converted into 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 for stomach problems. They should take potassium directly as potassium citrate... Read more
Pay attention to the correct form of potassium!
Potassium bicarbonate is included in our 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 arise from 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 it can cause cardiac arrhythmias.
In general, potassium is primarily associated with vegetables, so a deficiency is conceivable if someone eats very little vegetables or lives mainly on fast food.
Even though potassium has a very high or unspecified Upper Limit (UL) and is regarded as safe in Germany, one should not overdo it. Extremely high potassium intake can cause cardiac arrhythmias just as a too low intake can.
In Germany and Austria the daily requirement is stated as 4 g per day. It should be noted that it should primarily be obtained through the diet, i.e. plenty of vegetables. Supplements are only sensible in the case of a deficiency. It is also often used by athletes, but it only makes sense for high-performance athletes. "Normal athletes" need just as little additional minerals as they do not need any extra protein etc.; for them the normal daily supply is sufficient.