Potassium in biology

Short description: Use of Potassium by organisms

The Sodium–potassium pump a critical enzyme for regulating Sodium and Potassium levels in cells

Potassium is the main intracellular ion for all types of cells, while having a major role in maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance.[1][2] Potassium is necessary for the function of all living cells, and is thus present in all plant and animal tissues. It is found in especially high concentrations within plant cells, and in a mixed diet, it is most highly concentrated in fruits. The high concentration of potassium in plants, associated with comparatively very low amounts of sodium there, historically resulted in potassium first being isolated from the ashes of plants (potash), which in turn gave the element its modern name. The high concentration of potassium in plants means that heavy crop production rapidly depletes soils of potassium, and agricultural fertilizers consume 93% of the potassium chemical production of the modern world economy.

The functions of potassium and sodium in living organisms are quite different. Animals, in particular, employ sodium and potassium differentially to generate electrical potentials in animal cells, especially in nervous tissue. Potassium depletion in animals, including humans, results in various neurological dysfunctions. Characteristic concentrations of potassium in model organisms are: 30–300mM in E. coli, 300mM in budding yeast, 100mM in mammalian cell and 4mM in blood plasma.[3]

## Contents

* 1 Function in plants
* 2 Function in animals
* 3 Dietary recommendations
* 3.1 Labeling
* 4 Supplements
* 4.1 Labeling
* 5 Food sources
* 6 Deficiency
* 6.1 High blood pressure/Hypertension
* 6.2 Hypokalemia
* 6.3 Insufficient intake
* 7 Side effects and toxicity
* 8 See also
* 9 References
* 10 Further reading
* 11 External links

## Function in plants

See also: Potassium deficiency (plants)

The main role of potassium in plants is to provide the ionic environment for metabolic processes in the cytosol, and as such functions as a regulator of various processes including growth regulation.[4] Plants require potassium ions (K+) for protein synthesis and for the opening and closing of stomata, which is regulated by proton pumps to make surrounding guard cells either turgid or flaccid. A deficiency of potassium ions can impair a plant's ability to maintain these processes. Potassium also functions in other physiological processes such as photosynthesis, protein synthesis, activation of some enzymes, phloem solute transport of photoassimilates into source organs, and maintenance of cation:anion balance in the cytosol and vacuole.[5]

## Function in animals

Potassium is the major cation (K+, a positive ion) inside animal cells, while sodium (Na+) is the major cation outside animal cells. The difference between the concentrations of these charged particles causes a difference in electric potential between the inside and outside of cells, known as the membrane potential. The balance between potassium and sodium is maintained by ion transporters in the cell membrane. All potassium ion channels are tetramers with several conserved secondary structural elements. A number of potassium channel structures have been solved including voltage gated,[6][7][8] ligand gated,[9][10][11][12][13] tandem-pore,[14][15][16] and inwardly rectifying channels,[17][18][19][20][21] from prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The cell membrane potential created by potassium and sodium ions allows the cell to generate an action potential--a "spike" of electrical discharge. The ability of cells to produce electrical discharge is critical for body functions such as neurotransmission, muscle contraction, and heart function.[22]

## Dietary recommendations

The U.S. National Academy of Medicine (NAM), on behalf of both the U.S. and Canada, sets Dietary Reference Intakes, including Estimated Average Requirements (EARs) and Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs), or Adequate Intakes (AIs) for when there is not sufficient information to set EARs and RDAs.

For both males and females under 9 years of age, the AIs for potassium are: 400 mg of potassium for 0 to 6-month-old infants, 860 mg of potassium for 7 to 12-month-old infants, 2,000 mg of potassium for 1 to 3-year-old children, and 2,300 mg of potassium for 4 to 8-year-old children.

For males 9 years of age and older, the AIs for potassium are: 2,500 mg of potassium for 9 to 13-year-old males, 3,000 mg of potassium for 14 to 18-year-old males, and 3,400 mg for males that are 19 years of age and older.

For females 9 years of age and older, the AIs for potassium are: 2,300 mg of potassium for 9 to 18-year-old females, and 2,600 mg of potassium for females that are 19 years of age and older.

For pregnant and lactating females, the AIs for potassium are: 2,600 mg of potassium for 14 to 18-year-old pregnant females, 2,900 mg for pregnant females that are 19 years of age and older; furthermore, 2,500 mg of potassium for 14 to 18-year-old lactating females, and 2,800 mg for lactating females that are 19 years of age and older. As for safety, the NAM also sets tolerable upper intake levels (ULs) for vitamins and minerals, but for potassium the evidence was insufficient, so no UL was established.[23][24]

In 2019, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine revised the Adequate Intake for potassium to 2,600 mg/day for females 19 years of age and older who are not pregnant or lactating, and 3,400 mg/day for males 19 years of age and older.[25][26]

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) refers to the collective set of information as Dietary Reference Values, with Population Reference Intake (PRI) instead of RDA, and Average Requirement instead of EAR. AI and UL defined the same as in United States. For people ages 15 and older the AI is set at 3,500 mg/day. AIs for pregnancy is 3,500 mg/day, for lactation 4,000 mg/day. For children ages 1–14 years the AIs increase with age from 800 to 2,700 mg/day. These AIs are lower than the U.S. RDAs.[27] The EFSA reviewed the same safety question and decided that there was insufficient data to establish a UL for potassium.[28]

### Labeling

For U.S. food and dietary supplement labeling purposes the amount in a serving is expressed as a percent of Daily Value (%DV). For potassium labeling purposes 100% of the Daily Value was 3500 mg, but as of May 2016, it has been revised to 4700 mg.[29][30] A table of the old and new adult Daily Values is provided at Reference Daily Intake.

## Supplements

20 mEq (781 mg) potassium from potassium gluconate (4680 mg), or potassium citrate (2040 mg), mixed a half-cup (1.12 dL) water, taken two to four times a day, may be used on daily basis.[31][32]

### Labeling

Because of the risk of small-bowel lesions, the US FDA requires some potassium salts (for example potassium chloride) containing more than 99 mg (about 1.3 mEq) to be labeled with a warning.[33]

## Food sources

Eating a variety of foods that contain potassium is the best way to get an adequate amount. Foods with high sources of potassium include kiwifruit, orange juice, potatoes, coconut, avocados, apricots, parsnips and turnips, although many other fruits, vegetables, legumes, and meats contain potassium.

Common foods very high in potassium:[34]

* beans (white beans and others)
* dark leafy greens (spinach, Swiss chard, and others)
* baked potatoes
* dried fruit (apricots, peaches, prunes, raisins; figs and dates)
* baked squash
* yogurt
* fish (salmon)
* avocado
* nuts (pistachios, almonds, walnuts, etc.)
* seeds (squash, pumpkin, sunflower)

Foods containing the highest concentration:[34]

* dried herbs
* sun dried tomatoes
* cocoa solids[35]
* whey powder
* paprika
* yeast extract
* rice bran
* molasses
* dry roasted soybeans

## Deficiency

### High blood pressure/Hypertension

Diets low in potassium increase risk of hypertension, stroke and cardiovascular disease.[36][37]

### Hypokalemia

A severe shortage of potassium in body fluids may cause a potentially fatal condition known as hypokalemia. Hypokalemia typically results from loss of potassium through diarrhea, diuresis, or vomiting. Symptoms are related to alterations in membrane potential and cellular metabolism. Symptoms include muscle weakness and cramps, paralytic ileus, ECG abnormalities, intestinal paralysis, decreased reflex response and (in severe cases) respiratory paralysis, alkalosis and arrhythmia.

In rare cases, habitual consumption of large amounts of black licorice has resulted in hypokalemia. Licorice contains a compound (Glycyrrhizin) that increases urinary excretion of potassium.[38]

### Insufficient intake

Adult women in the United States consume on average half the AI, for men two-thirds. For all adults, fewer than 5% exceed the AI.[39] Similarly, in the European Union, insufficient potassium intake is widespread.[40]

## Side effects and toxicity

Gastrointestinal symptoms are the most common side effects of potassium supplements, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea. Taking potassium with meals or taking a microencapsulated form of potassium may reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

Hyperkalemia is the most serious adverse reaction to potassium. Hyperkalemia occurs when potassium builds up faster than the kidneys can remove it. It is most common in individuals with renal failure. Symptoms of hyperkalemia may include tingling of the hands and feet, muscular weakness, and temporary paralysis. The most serious complication of hyperkalemia is the development of an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), which can lead to cardiac arrest.

Although hyperkalemia is rare in healthy individuals, oral doses greater than 18 grams taken at one time in individuals not accustomed to high intakes can lead to hyperkalemia.

## See also

* Biology and pharmacology of chemical elements
* Biology:Action potential - Neuron communication by electric impulses
* Biology:Calcium in biology - Use of calcium by organisms
* Physics:Electrolyte - Ionic solids whose dissociation in water free up ions carrying the electrical current in solution
* Biology:Iodine in biology - Use of Iodine by organisms
* Biology:Magnesium in biology - Use of magnesium by organisms
* Biology:Membrane potential - Electric potential difference between interior and exterior of a biological cell
* Biology:Selenium in biology - Effect of chemical element
* Biology:Sodium in biology - Use of sodium by organisms

## References

1. ↑ Pohl, Hanna R.; Wheeler, John S.; Murray, H. Edward (2013). "Chapter 2. Sodium and Potassium in Health and Disease". in Astrid Sigel, Helmut Sigel and Roland K. O. Sigel. Interrelations between Essential Metal Ions and Human Diseases. Metal Ions in Life Sciences. 13. Springer. pp. 29–47. doi:10.1007/978-94-007-7500-8_2.
2. ↑ *Clausen, Michael Jakob Voldsgaard; Poulsen, Hanne (2013). "Sodium/Potassium Homeostasis in the Cell". in Banci, Lucia. Metallomics and the Cell. Metal Ions in Life Sciences. 12. Springer. pp. 41–67. doi:10.1007/978-94-007-5561-1_3. ISBN 978-94-007-5560-4. electronic-book ISBN 978-94-007-5561-1 ISSN 1559-0836 electronic-ISSN 1868-0402
3. ↑ Milo, Ron; Philips, Rob. "Cell Biology by the Numbers: What are the concentrations of different ions in cells?". http://book.bionumbers.org/what-are-the-concentrations-of-different-ions-in-cells/.
4. ↑ Leigh, R. A.; Wyn Jones, R. G. (1984). "A Hypothesis Relating Critical Potassium Concentrations for Growth to the Distribution and Functions of This Ion in the Plant Cell". New Phytologist 97 (1): 1–13. doi:10.1111/j.1469-8137.1984.tb04103.x. https://repository.rothamsted.ac.uk/download/ad74fdb75c484f38a9cff7e181f511086794c1803546d3c581ace20378c645e9/914530/8998.pdf.
5. ↑ Hopkins, W.G. and Huner, N.P.A. Introduction to Plant Physiology 4th edition
6. ↑ "Crystal structure of a voltage-gateds K+ channel pore module in a closed state in lipid membranes.". J Biol Chem 287 (51): 43063–70. Dec 2012. doi:10.1074/jbc.M112.415091. PMID 23095758.
7. ↑ "Crystal structure of a mammalian voltage-dependent Shaker family K+ channel". Science 309 (5736): 897–903. August 2005. doi:10.1126/science.1116269. PMID 16002581. Bibcode: 2005Sci...309..897L.
8. ↑ "X-ray structure of a voltage-dependent K+ channel". Nature 423 (6935): 33–41. May 2003. doi:10.1038/nature01580. PMID 12721618. Bibcode: 2003Natur.423...33J.
9. ↑ "Crystal structure and mechanism of a calcium-gated potassium channel". Nature 417 (6888): 515–22. May 2002. doi:10.1038/417515a. PMID 12037559. Bibcode: 2002Natur.417..515J.
10. ↑ "Structure of the human BK channel Ca2+-activation apparatus at 3.0 A resolution". Science 329 (5988): 182–6. July 2010. doi:10.1126/science.1190414. PMID 20508092. Bibcode: 2010Sci...329..182Y.
11. ↑ "Structure of the gating ring from the human large-conductance Ca(2+)-gated K(+) channel". Nature 466 (7304): 393–7. July 2010. doi:10.1038/nature09252. PMID 20574420.
12. ↑ "Functional and structural analysis of the human SLO3 pH- and voltage-gated K+ channel.". Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 109 (47): 19274–9. Nov 2012. doi:10.1073/pnas.1215078109. PMID 23129643. Bibcode: 2012PNAS..10919274L.
13. ↑ "Distinct gating mechanisms revealed by the structures of a multi-ligand gated K(+) channel.". eLife 1: e00184. 2012. doi:10.7554/eLife.00184. PMID 23240087.
14. ↑ "Crystal structure of the human K2P TRAAK, a lipid- and mechano-sensitive K+ ion channel". Science 335 (6067): 4s36–41. January 2012. doi:10.1126/science.1213808. PMID 22282805. Bibcode: 2012Sci...335..436B.
15. ↑ "Crystal structure of the human two-pore domain potassium channel K2P1". Science 335 (6067): 432–6. January 2012. doi:10.1126/science.1213274. PMID 22282804. Bibcode: 2012Sci...335..432M.
16. ↑ "K2P channel gating mechanisms revealed by structures of TREK-2 and a complex with Prozac.". Science 347 (6227): 1256–9. Mar 2015. doi:10.1126/science.1261512. PMID 25766236. Bibcode: 2015Sci...347.1256D.
17. ↑ "Domain reorientation and rotation of an intracellular assembly regulate conduction in Kir potassium channels.". Cell 141 (6): 1018–29. Jun 2010. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2010.05.003. PMID 20564790.
18. ↑ "Crysstal structure of the potassium channel KirBac1.1 in the closed state.". Science 300 (5627): 1922–6. Jun 2003. doi:10.1126/science.1085028. PMID 12738871. Bibcode: 2003Sci...300.1922K.
19. ↑ "Crystal structures of the mammalian GIRK2 K+ channel and gating regulation by G proteins, PIP2, and sodium.". Cell 147 (1): 199–208. Sep 2011. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2011.07.046. PMID 21962516.
20. ↑ "Structural basis of inward rectification: cytoplasmic pore of the G protein-gated inward rectifier GIRK1 at 1.8 A resolution.". Cell 111 (7): 957–65. Dec 2002. doi:10.1016/S0092-8674(02)01227-8. PMID 12507423.
21. ↑ "Crystal structure of the eukaryotic strong inward-rectifier K+ channel Kir2.2 at 3.1 A resolution.". Science 326 (5960): 1668–74. Dec 2009. doi:10.1126/science.1180310. PMID 20019282. Bibcode: 2009Sci...326.1668T.
22. ↑ Mikko Hellgren; Lars Sandberg; Olle Edholm (2006). "A comparison between two prokaryotic potassium channels (KirBac1.1 and KcsA) in a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation study". Biophys. Chem. 120 (1): 1–9. doi:10.1016/j.bpc.2005.10.002. PMID 16253415.
23. ↑ National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (2019). "Potassium: Dietary Reference Intakes for Adequacy". in Stallings, Virginia A; Harrison, Meghan; Oria, Maria. Dietary Reference Intakes for Sodium and Potassium. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi:10.17226/25353. ISBN 978-0-309-48834-1. https://www.nap.edu/read/25353/chapter/8.
24. ↑ Stallings, Virginia A; Harrison, Meghan; Oria, Maria, eds (March 5, 2019). Dietary Reference Intakes for Sodium and Potassium – Publication. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. doi:10.17226/25353. ISBN 978-0-309-48834-1. http://www.nationalacademies.org/hmd/Reports/2019/dietary-reference-intakes-sodium-potassium.aspx. Retrieved May 13, 2019.
25. ↑ "Sodium and Potassium Dietary Reference Intake Values Updated in New Report; Introduces New Category for Sodium Based on Chronic Disease Risk Reduction" (Press release). National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 5 March 2019. Retrieved 29 January 2022.
26. ↑ Dietary Reference Intakes for Sodium and Potassium. National Academies Press. March 2019. doi:10.17226/25353. Bookshelf ID: NBK538102. ISBN 978-0-309-48834-1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538102/. Retrieved 13 November 2022.
27. ↑ "Overview on Dietary Reference Values for the EU population as derived by the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies". 2017. https://www.efsa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/assets/DRV_Summary_tables_jan_17.pdf.
28. ↑ Tolerable Upper Intake Levels For Vitamins And Minerals, European Food Safety Authority, 2006, http://www.efsa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/efsa_rep/blobserver_assets/ndatolerableuil.pdf
29. ↑ "Federal Register May 27, 2016 Food Labeling: Revision of the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels. FR page 33982.". https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2016-05-27/pdf/2016-11867.pdf.
30. ↑ "Daily Value Reference of the Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD)". https://www.dsld.nlm.nih.gov/dsld/dailyvalue.jsp.
31. ↑ "Potassium Supplement (Oral Route, Parenteral Route) Proper Use - Mayo Clinic". https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/potassium-supplement-oral-route-parenteral-route/proper-use/drg-20070753.
32. ↑ "NCATS Inxight Drugs — POTASSIUM GLUCONATE" (in en). https://drugs.ncats.io/drug/12H3K5QKN9.
33. ↑ "Office of Dietary Supplements - Potassium" (in en). https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Potassium-HealthProfessional/.
34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 "Top 10 Foods Highest in Potassium + One Page Printable". http://www.healthaliciousness.com/articles/food-sources-of-potassium.php#potassium-density-by-gram.
35. ↑ "FoodData Central". https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169593/nutrients.
36. ↑ "Effect of increased potassium intake on cardiovascular risk factors and disease: systematic review and meta-analyses". BMJ 346: f1378. 2013. doi:10.1136/bmj.f1378. PMID 23558164.
37. ↑ "Potassium intake, stroke, and cardiovascular disease a meta-analysis of prospective studies". J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 57 (10): 1210–9. 2011. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2010.09.070. PMID 21371638.
38. ↑ "Licorice-induced hypokalemia". Int. J. Cardiol. 124 (3): e42–4. 2008. doi:10.1016/j.ijcard.2006.11.190. PMID 17320224.
39. ↑ What We Eat In America, NHANES 2013-2014 .
40. ↑ "Archived copy". http://content.karger.com/ProdukteDB/produkte.asp?Aktion=ShowPDF&ProduktNr=223977&Ausgabe=230671&ArtikelNr=83312&filename=83312.pdf. Energy and Nutrient Intake in the European Union

## Further reading

* "Potassium Health Professional Fact Sheet". 3 April 2020. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Potassium-HealthProfessional/.

## External links

* "Potassium". Drug Information Portal. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/potassium.
* Brooks/Cole publishers - Sodium Potassium pump
* Oregon State University - Micronutrient Information Center
* Potassium at Lab Tests Online
* Potassium: analyte monograph \- the Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine.

* v
* t
* e

Common for blood tests (CPT 82000–84999)

Electrolytes|

* Sodium
* Potassium
* Chloride
* Calcium
* Renal function
* Creatinine
* Urea
* BUN-to-creatinine ratio
* Plasma osmolality
* Serum osmolal gap

Acid-base|

* Anion gap
* Arterial blood gas
* Base excess
* Bicarbonate
* CO2 content

Iron tests|

* Ferritin
* Serum iron
* Transferrin saturation
* Total iron-binding capacity
* Transferrin
* Transferrin receptor

Hormones|

* ACTH stimulation test
* Thyroid function tests
* Thyroid-stimulating hormone

Metabolism|

* Blood lipids

Cardiovascular|

* Cardiac marker
* Troponin test
* CPK-MB test
* Lactate dehydrogenase
* Myoglobin
* Glycogen phosphorylase isoenzyme BB

Liver function tests|

* Proteins
* Human serum albumin
* Serum total protein
* ALP
* transaminases
* ALT
* AST
* AST/ALT ratio
* Bilirubin
* Unconjugated
* Conjugated

Pancreas|

* Amylase
* Lipase
* Pancreatic lipase

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