Potassium is an dietary mineral that is also known as an electrolyte, essential to both cellular and electrical function.
Intracellular fluid contains about 95 percent of the body’s potassium, with the highest amount in skeletal muscle cells.
The flow of sodium and potassium in and out of cells is an important component of muscle contractions and the transmission of nerve impulses.
The central nervous system (CNS) zealously protects it potassium – CNS potassium levels remain constant even in the face of falling levels in the muscle and blood.
Potassium also helps regulate blood pressure.
Potassium influences the contractility of smooth, skeletal, and cardiac muscle and profoundly affects the excitability of nerve tissue.
It is also plays a critical role in the transmission of electrical impulses in the heart.
It is also important in maintaining electrolyte and pH balance.
Potassium deficiency, also called hypokalemia, established the importance of potassium maintenance in cardiovascular disease.
There is also suggestion that increasing potassium intake may be key in lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of stroke, congestive heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias.
Functions of Potassium
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