Potassium

Patient One Potassium supplies 99 mg per capsule of potassium citrate, a well-absorbed form of potassium. This essential dietary mineral and electrolyte supports a number of fundamentally important physiological functions in the body. While potassium is abundant in vegetables, fruits, beans and nuts, typical American diets often provide less than adequate amounts of potassium. Other factors, such as chronic dieting, prolonged strenuous exercise causing perspiration, diarrhea and/or vomiting from illness, chronic kidney conditions, use of certain pharmaceuticals, and alcoholism, can lead to potassium insufficiency or deficiency. Deficiencies in potassium have been associated with irregular heart beat, muscle weakness and lack of energy.

As the most abundant positively charged intracellular electrolyte in the body, potassium plays a vital role in the transmission of electrical impulses in the heart. It supports healthy blood flow and healthy maintenance of already normal blood pressure. Potassium also plays a key role in the control of cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscle contractility. 

High potassium intakes are associated with greater bone mineral density (BMD) in post-menopausal women. Potassium citrate supports acid/alkaline balance, bone cell function and bone mineralization in part by supporting calcium absorption and healthy bone resorption.

Diets high in potassium are also associated with higher urine pH and reduced risk for kidney stones. Low urinary pH is the strongest factor in the development of uric acid stones. Potassium's benefit of alkalizing the urine also inhibits the growth of undesirable bacteria in the urinary tract.