Merck Manual

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Overview of Potassium's Role in the Body

By

James L. Lewis III

, MD, Brookwood Baptist Health and Saint Vincent’s Ascension Health, Birmingham

Reviewed/Revised Sep 2023
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Did You Know...

  • Potassium was originally called kalium, so disorders involving potassium often have"kal" in their names.

The body maintains the right level of potassium by matching the amount of potassium consumed with the amount lost. Potassium is consumed in food and drinks that contain electrolytes (including potassium) and lost primarily in urine. Some potassium is also lost through the digestive tract and in sweat. Healthy kidneys can adjust the excretion of potassium to match changes in consumption.

Some medications and certain conditions affect the movement of potassium into and out of cells, which greatly influences the potassium level in blood.

More Information

The following English language resource provides information that may be useful. THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource.

  • National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Potassium Fact Sheet for Consumers: provides a general overview of potassium, including its role in the body and daily nutrition requirements

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
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