An essential electrolyte involved with fluid balance and nerve signal transmission, and is recommended by the World Health Organisation for its role in improving blood pressure and cardiovascular health. Potassium also plays a role in strengthening bones. Most adults in NZ consume less than the recommended intake for potassium.
Origin
Germany
Concerns
- Fatigue
- Dehydration
- High Blood Pressure
- Muscle Cramps
- Inadequate potassium intake
- Vomiting
Benefits
Supports cellular fluid balance,
Supports nerve and muscle function,
Stimulates muscular contractions,
Transmits nerve signals
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About
Critical for supporting cellular fluid balance and important for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Potassium also plays an important role in nervous system activity, transmitting nerve impulses to stimulate heart and muscle contractions.
Potassium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in most bodily functions. As an electrolyte, potassium carries an electrical charge, enabling it to maintain fluid balance and blood volume, regulate blood pressure, transmit nerve signals throughout the body and stimulate muscular contractions. Unlike some nutrients, the body does not produce potassium naturally, it must be obtained through dietary sources.
One of potassium's key roles in the body involves transmitting electrical signals that enable muscles, including the heart, to contract properly. Low potassium levels, or hypokalemia, can lead to muscle weakness, cramps and even irregular heartbeats. Other symptoms of hypokalaemia, include constipation, weakness and fatigue. In New Zealand, the most recent National Adult Nutrition Survey found that most adults do not consume enough potassium with median potassium intakes below the recommended levels for both men and women.
Potassium is also crucial for regulating fluid balance in the body, which is essential for sustaining daily life but also for optimising athletic performance. Consuming an electrolyte drink containing potassium, alongside sodium and magnesium, was found to increase the body’s capacity to retain water, improve exercise ability, and reduce fatigue after exercise.
Additionally, potassium has a significant impact on blood pressure and cardiovascular health. A meta-analysis of 23 randomised control trials identified that potassium intake has a significantly positive effect on blood pressure levels.
The World Health Organisation recommends increasing potassium intake to reduce blood pressure and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and coronary artery disease.
Beyond cardiovascular health, potassium is also linked to bone health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones). Studies have shown that that higher potassium intake is significantly associated with higher bone mineral density in both men and women , suggesting that adequate potassium intake supports stronger bones and overall skeletal health.
One of potassium's key roles in the body involves transmitting electrical signals that enable muscles, including the heart, to contract properly. Low potassium levels, or hypokalemia, can lead to muscle weakness, cramps and even irregular heartbeats. Other symptoms of hypokalaemia, include constipation, weakness and fatigue. In New Zealand, the most recent National Adult Nutrition Survey found that most adults do not consume enough potassium with median potassium intakes below the recommended levels for both men and women.
Potassium is also crucial for regulating fluid balance in the body, which is essential for sustaining daily life but also for optimising athletic performance. Consuming an electrolyte drink containing potassium, alongside sodium and magnesium, was found to increase the body’s capacity to retain water, improve exercise ability, and reduce fatigue after exercise.
Additionally, potassium has a significant impact on blood pressure and cardiovascular health. A meta-analysis of 23 randomised control trials identified that potassium intake has a significantly positive effect on blood pressure levels.
The World Health Organisation recommends increasing potassium intake to reduce blood pressure and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and coronary artery disease.
Beyond cardiovascular health, potassium is also linked to bone health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones). Studies have shown that that higher potassium intake is significantly associated with higher bone mineral density in both men and women , suggesting that adequate potassium intake supports stronger bones and overall skeletal health.
Research and studies
We're led by an evidence-based approach, where each product – and every ingredient – has a purpose. As the science of nutrition evolves, we're constantly learning too.
PLOS One
Oral potassium supplementation for management of essential hypertension: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial
Applied Sciences
Effects of Electrolyte Supplements on Body Water Homeostasis and Exercise Performance during Exhaustive Exercise
Nutrition Research and Practice
The association of potassium intake with bone mineral density and the prevalence of osteoporosis among older Korean adults
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Potassium, magnesium, and fruit and vegetable intakes are associated with greater bone mineral density in elderly men and women
