Adopt an element project
Description: Potassium
Image copyright: http://www.carondelet.pvt.k12.ca.us/Family/Science/Alkali%20Metals/K%20pic.jpg
It is one of the main blood minerals called "electrolytes" (the others are sodium and chloride), which means it carries a tiny electrical charge (potential).
Potassium is the primary positive ion (cation) found within the cells, where 98 percent of the 120 grams of potassium in the body is found.
The blood serum contains about 4-5 mg. (per 100 ml.) of the total potassium; the red blood cells contain 420 mg., which is why a red-blood-cell level is a better indication of an individual's potassium status than the commonly used serum level.
Magnesium helps maintain the potassium in the cells, but the sodium and potasium balance is as finely turned as those of calcium and phosphuros or calcium and magnesium.
Potassium is well absorbed from the small intestine, with about 90 percent absorption, but is one of the most soluble minerals, so it is easily lost in cooking and processing foods.
Most excess potassium is eliminated in the urine; some is eliminated in the sweat.
Potassium is available commercially for about $40/lb.
