What’s the connection between Potassium, the heart and the balance of fluids in the body?
Why do we need Potassium?
Potassium is a mineral that helps control the balance of fluids in the body. It also helps the heart work properly.
Where can we get Potassium from?
Good sources of potassium include bananas, pulses, nuts, seeds, vegetables, such as, broccoli, parsnips and brussels sprouts.
How much Potassium do we need?
Adults aged between 19 and 64 need 3,500mg of potassium per day.
What happens if we have too much Potassium?
Consuming too much potassium can cause stomach pain, nausea and diarrhoea.
What does the Department of Health have to say about Potassium?
"You should be able to get all the potassium you need by eating a varied and balanced diet. If you take potassium supplements, don't take too much as this could be harmful. Taking 3,700mg or less of potassium supplements a day is unlikely to have obvious harmful effects.
But older people may be more at risk of harm from potassium because their kidneys may be less able to remove potassium from the blood. Older people shouldn't take potassium supplements unless advised to by a doctor."
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