Potassium is necessary for the blood management and maintaining a normal blood pressure. Potassium is necessary for muscle contraction and for the energy metabolism in the muscles.

Where is it in?
Potassium comes almost in all foods. Major sources of potassium are potatoes, bread, dairy, meats and vegetables.

When potatoes and vegetables with plenty of water be boiled potassium is lost.

On the page ' where's the? "is even more information on mineral springs and the contribution of these sources to the recommended daily allowance.

How much do I need?
In Netherlands is no recommended daily allowance for potassium. The recommendations in Europe are in the order of 3.1 – 3.5 g of potassium per day for adults.

An overview of the different life stages in the potassium needs can be found at ' how much do I need? '.

What is safe?
For potassium is no maximum safe dose.

What are the effects of too much potassium?
About the consequences of too much potassium and when there is an excess of potassium, few details are known. Usually our body is able to provide the right amount of potassium. The kidneys keep the levels of potassium in the body constant. Too much potassium record via the power supply is virtually impossible. An acute potassium poisoning can occur if someone all of a sudden 18 grams (18,000 milligrams) potassium per day and the excess potassium insufficient is excreted through the urine. A to high potassium levels in the body can, in the worst case, lead to a cardiac arrest.

What are the consequences of a lack of potassium?
Because potassium in many foods, it is unlikely that there is a shortage is caused by insufficient dietary intake. A deficiency can occur as a result of an increased loss of potassium by long-term persistent diarrhea or vomiting. A potassium deficiency can also arise from the use of laxatives or diuretics.

Symptoms in a potassium deficiency include muscle weakness and impaired heart function. Psychological disorders such as depression and confusion can also be a result of a potassium deficiency.