Potassium Deficiency and Liquid Vitamins

This nutrient is also an electrolyte, which refers to a substance that dissociates ions (particles that are charged) in solution, making it capable of conducting electricity.

Normal body function depends on tight regulation of potassium concentrations both inside and outside of cells. This nutrient is the principal positively charged ion (cation) in the fluid of cells, while sodium is the principle cation in the fluid outside of cells.

Potassium concentrations are about 30 times higher inside than outside cells, while sodium concentrations are more than ten times lower inside than outside cells.

The concentration difference between potassium and sodium across cell membranes create an electrochemical gradient known as cell potential.A cell's membrane potential is maintained by ion pumps in the cell membranes, especially the sodium, potassium ATPase pumps.

These pumps use ATP (energy) to pump sodium out of the cell in exchange for potassium. Their energy is estimated to account for 20%-40% of the resting energy of a typical adult. A limited number of enzymes require the presence of potassium for their activity and to prevent potassium deficiency.

The activation of sodium-potassium energy requires both the presence of sodium and potassium. The presence of potassium is also required for the activity of the enzyme that helps in carbohydrate metabolism.

Potassium deficiency can result in an abnormally low potassium plasma concentration referred to as "hypokalemia". Hypokalemia is most commonly a result of excessive loss of potassium and ultimately low potassium levels from prolonged vomiting, the use of some diuretics, some forms of kidney disease, or metabolic disturbances.

The symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness and cramps, and intestinal paralysis, which may lead to bloating, constipation, and abdominal pain.

Severe hypokalemia may result in muscular paralysis or abnormal heart rhythms that can be fatal. Conditions that increase the risk of hypokalemia are the use of potassium-wasting diuretics, alcoholism, severe vomiting or diarrhea, overuse or abuse of laxatives, anorexia nervosa or bulimia, magnesium depletion, or congestive heart failure.

In rare cases, habitual consumption of large amounts of "black licorice" has resulted in hypokalemia. Licorice contains a compound (i.e. glycyrrizic acid) with similar physiologic effects to those of aldosterone, a hormone that increases urinary excretion of potassium and may cause potassium deficiency if eaten in excess.

Low dietary intakes of potassium do not generally result in hypokalemia.

However, some research indicates the insufficient dietary potassium increase the risk of a number of chronic diseases such as "osteoporosis", kidney stones, and high blood pressure.

Multi-vitamins and mineral supplements in the U.S. do not contain more than 99mg of potassium per serving, another reason why liquid vitamins and minerals because of the 90% absorption ratio is a definite advantage over traditional pills or capsules.

Higher doses of supplemental potassium are generally prescribed to prevent and treat potassium depletion and hypokalemia. The use of more potent potassium deficiency requires close monitoring of serum potassium concentrations.

There are several very good forms of regular liquid vitamins and minerals that can help with low potassium levels in today's markets.
Natural Treatments for Potassium Deficiency

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