Primary Care

Purpose

Potassium is the predominant positively charged electrolyte in body cells. The flow of potassium and sodium in and out of the cells helps maintain the normal functioning of the heart, brain, kidney and skeletal muscles. It promotes regular heart beat, muscle contractions and nerve transmissions. Potassium deficiency can produce the following symptoms - low blood pressure, muscular aches, nausea, and weakness.

Uses

A potassium-enriched diet may be recommended for a patient with low serum potassium levels. Low levels of potassium seldom result from dietary deficiency since many foods contain potassium. Instead, the low level is usually due to illness, injury or trauma; or from certain drugs such as some diuretics and steroids. Increasing potassium may produce benefits in the following - diuresis, low blood pressure, night leg cramps, and stroke prevention.

Cereals

Serving Size

Potassium (mg)

Kellogg's All Bran

532

Nabisco 100% Bran

354

Bran Flakes

Shredded Wheat

Fruit

Cooked Beans

Vegetables

Other