potassium

Question 1

is potassium the major intra or extra cellular ion

Answer 1

major intracellular ion, so high inside cell. So opposite from sodium

Question 2

how many g of potassium is there in adult body

Answer 2

About 120 g in adult body (2 800-3 500 mmol)

Question 3

what percentage of potassium in the body is intracellular

Answer 3

95%

Question 4

what are the LRNI and RNI for potassium in adults

Answer 4

LRNI RNI
50 mmol/d 90 mmol/d
2.0 g/d 3.5 g/d

this is similar to sodium’s levels

Question 5

what happens to sodium content during processing of food

Answer 5

In contrast to sodium, the amount of potassium is mainly reduced or unchanged by processing of foods

Question 6

what type of foods are often higher in potassium

Answer 6

unprocessed foods like wheat flour
tomatoes
carrots
boiled potatoes
herring
beef

Question 7

what did the ‘Dietary and Nutritional Survey of British Adults’ shows the mean intake to be

Answer 7

2-3 g/d (higher for males than females).

Question 8

what age groups/gender dont meet the LRNI for potassium

Answer 8

young reproductive females
which is surprising considering how widespread this nutrient is in foods.

Question 9

This widespread occurrence of potassium means what

Answer 9

frank deficiencies are relatively unknown.

Question 10

what percentage of potassium comes from
dairy
veg
and cereals

Answer 10

25 % K from dairy products
25 % K from vegetable matter
15 % K from cereals

Question 11

potassium is in relatively high concs in what foods

Answer 11

citrus fruits, green vegetables, bananas, potatoes

Question 12

explain coffee and potassium relationship

Answer 12

Coffee is also high in K (45 mg per cup) and can be a major source of intake (up to 15 %)

Question 13

what is potassium required for

Answer 13

its an electrolyte so important function in electro excitable tissue like muscles and nerves

Required for:
normal functioning of nerves
normal functioning of muscle
sugar metabolism
acid/base balance
oxidative respiration - oxygen metabolism in brain
heart function
enzyme systems
protein metabolism

Question 14

whats the definition of hypokalaemia

Answer 14

low level plasma K+

Question 15

explain hypokalaemia

Answer 15

It is difficult to produce K+ intoxication or deficiency in normal subjects. So diet alone is not usually associated with hypokalaemia and hyperkalaemia

Incorrect potassium balance can affect the heart causing arrhythmias and possibly death, as interfere with contraction rhythm of heart, by missing a beat or an extra beat.

Potassium deficiency can express itself as fatigue, muscle weakness, fluid accumulation, constipation and disorders of the nervous system.

Question 16

whats the definition of hyperkalaemia

Answer 16

high level plasma K+

Question 17

explain hyperkalaemia

Answer 17

Can be due to excess fluid loss from diarrhoea or vomiting

can produce symptoms of drowsiness, arrhythmia and disorientation

Normally, excess potassium intake is excreted in urine (80 %), faeces and sweat

Question 18

Normally, excess potassium intake is excreted in what

Answer 18

urine (80 %), faeces and sweat

Question 19

Very high potassium intake can decrease the efficacy of what

Answer 19

of anticoagulant medicines given to patients with cardiovascular diseases. Sometimes, it may be necessary to increase drug dose

Question 20

renal patients may have to take low potassium diets to help them with what

Answer 20

to cope with their condition.

Question 21

patients with what diseases have problems with potassium levels

Answer 21

Diabetes mellitus, cancer, heart disease, liver,
and kidney patients