Potassium is involved in regulating the body's fluid, osmotic and acid-base balance. It plays a crucial role in nerve conduction, muscle contraction and helps maintain a normal heart rhythm. It also helps control blood pressure and contributes to kidney function. For those looking to manage or prevent hypertension, a diet rich in potassium and low in sodium is recommended. The best dietary sources of potassium are fresh fruits and vegetables, mushrooms, milk, nuts and whole grains, legumes, lean meat and fish, dates and dried apricots. |Approximate potassium content|To increase your potassium intake, it is recommended that you add at least five portions of potassium-rich foods to your diet. AI is the recommended average daily nutrient intake based on estimates of nutrient intake by groups of healthy people. |19-50 years||4700 mg||4700 mg||> 50 years||4700 mg||4700 mg|A potassium deficiency can cause apathy, constipation, muscle cramps and reduced muscle tone, abnormal heart rhythm and fatigue. Diuretics used to treat heart failure and hypertension may lead to an increased elimination of potassium. Such situations should be monitored closely. Potassium toxicity is rare and practically impossible if kidney function is normal. Furthermore, a potassium-rich diet alone cannot be responsible for potassium toxicity. The most common signs of toxicity are an abnormal heart rhythm and cardiac arrest. Since potassium is commonly found in the foods we eat, supplements are not necessary. Close medical monitoring is recommended especially for those with kidney disease, diabetes and heart problems. Watch what you eat. Nutrition has a significant impact on health! © Copyright Vigilance SantéThe patient information leaflets are provided by Vigilance Santé Inc. This content is for information purposes only and does not in any manner whatsoever replace the opinion or advice of your health care professional. Always consult a health care professional before making a decision about your medication or treatment.