potassium daily requirement
Potassium is an essential mineral required for normal functioning of the human body.
Potassium is an essential mineral required for normal functioning of the human body.
Importance
Potassium has a role in the synthesis of proteins and muscle tissue. Potassium also works inside every cell to maintain the pH and act as an electrolyte, a molecule that transmits electrical activity between cells. Heart activity depends on potassium, as does muscle contraction. Because many bodily activities are controlled by muscle activity, potassium is essential for many normal body functions such as digestion.
Recommendations
The adequate intake of potassium as established by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine is 4,700 mg per day for males and females over the age of 14. Children between the ages of 9 and 13 need 4,500 mg per day of potassium. The daily intake of pregnant women is also 4,700 mg and breastfeeding mothers need 5,100 mg a day. Children between the ages of 4 to 8 require 3,800 mg of potassium every day. Toddlers between 1 and 3 years old need 3,000 mg daily. Babies between 7 months and 1 year old need 700 mg and babies under 6 months require 400 mg daily, which can be supplied through breast milk or fortified formula.
