Potassium Food Supplement

Potassium is an essential mineral that plays several key roles in the human body. It is crucial for the proper functioning of the nervous system, while supporting normal muscle activity. Potassium supplementation will help support your needs for normal muscle function.

Why is it interesting to take potassium as a supplement?

Formerly known as kalium, potassium is a major electrolyte in the body and is the main cation inside cells. Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electrical charge when dissolved in body fluids such as blood (1). The majority of body potassium is found in cells, with a concentration of 150 mmol/L (compared to only 4 mmol/L in the extracellular space) representing only 2% of total body potassium. Potassium is essential for the normal functioning of cells, nerves and muscles . Regulating blood potassium levels is vital, as levels that are too high (hyperkalaemia) or too low (hypokalaemia) can have negative effects. The majority of potassium is stored in cells and can be mobilised to stabilise blood levels. Potassium balance is maintained by proper management of dietary intake and loss (mainly through the urinary tract), but also via the digestive tract and sweating. If you are deficient, don't worry: you can take a potassium dietary supplement to meet all your needs!

Potassium food supplement: what are the benefits?

Regulation of electrolyte and water balance

Potassium is a key electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance in cells and tissues, essential for athletic performance. Together with sodium, it regulates water balance by controlling osmosis and the movement of body fluids across cell membranes. Potassium helps maintain osmotic pressure and acid-base balance, which is crucial to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances , particularly during intense exercise where sweating is important. A potassium supplement may therefore be of interest to athletes.

Support for muscle function

Potassium is essential for muscle contraction and relaxation, which directly influences muscle strength and endurance. It is necessary for nerve impulse conduction and muscle response , as it helps maintain the membrane potential of muscle cells (2). Thus, taking a potassium supplement helps balance sodium and calcium levels in muscle cells, to facilitate contraction and relaxation. A potassium deficiency can actually lead to muscle cramps and weakness.

Improved heart function

Potassium is crucial for maintaining a normal heart rhythm , which is essential for athletes, as the heart is put under heavy strain during exercise. This mineral helps regulate heart rate by helping to transmit electrical signals in the heart (3). A proper balance of potassium and sodium is necessary for the repolarization and depolarization of heart cells , in order to support efficient blood flow.

Fatigue reduction and endurance support

Potassium helps prevent excessive lactic acid buildup , which is a byproduct of intense exercise and can contribute to muscle fatigue. It is involved in carbohydrate metabolism and energy production, improving the energy efficiency of muscles. Potassium then helps buffer hydrogen ions released during anaerobic metabolism, delaying muscle fatigue and improving endurance . A potassium-enriched mineral supplement may therefore have benefits for athletes.

What minerals work synergistically with potassium?

A potassium supplement works synergistically with several other essential minerals to optimize various bodily functions:

• Magnesium : Magnesium is an essential partner for muscle function as it helps regulate potassium levels in the body by supporting its transport across cell membranes.
• Zinc : Zinc and potassium together contribute to the functioning of the immune system and nerve transmission. Zinc plays a role in more than 300 essential enzymes.
• Iron : Both iron and potassium are essential for energy production and enzyme activity. Iron is a key component of hemoglobin which carries oxygen to cells while potassium helps optimize this oxygen delivery.
• Chromium : Although less direct, the relationship between chromium and potassium includes the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism and insulin.
• Multiminerals : As part of a health supplement , a multimineral approach including potassium ensures that all essential minerals are present in adequate amounts to support their mutual action and avoid imbalances that could disrupt bodily functions.

Sources:

(1) Overview of the Role of Potassium in the Body - Hormonal and Metabolic Disorders - MSD Manuals Consumer Version. Accessed April 5, 2022. https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/hormonal-and-metabolic-disorders/electrolyte-balance/overview-of-the-role-of-potassium-in-the-body

(2) https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Potassium-HealthProfessional/

(3) https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/potassium/