Potassium is the third most common mineral in the body and an essential electrolyte. Sports as well as daily stress can increase bodily requirements for minerals such as potassium. Approximately 98% of all potassium in the body can be found inside the cells while its major counterpart, sodium, is mostly concentrated outside of cells. A balanced ratio of these minerals lays an important foundation for a number of bodily reactions including enzymatic metabolic processes. Modern diets, which are often heavy in salt, can easily bring this system out of balance so that the body has insufficient plant-based potassium to counterbalance an excess of sodium. In fact, too much sodium can even lead to the expulsion of potassium from the body via the kidneys. Since potassium cannot be stored in the body, daily intake is required to maintain balance within the body.
Potassium citrate is the potassium salt of citric acid (citrate), a naturally occurring intermediate product in energy metabolism. Citrate is metabolised in the citric acid cycle and is thus a central component of energy production in cells. Neither citric acid nor its salt citrate triggers allergic reactions in people who are allergic to oranges and citrus fruits. Due to their weakly alkaline pH, citrates are readily available and well-tolerated, without neutralising stomach acid or alkalinising the intestinal environment.
Health Benefits of Potassium According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
Potassium contributes to:
- Normal functioning of the nervous system
- Normal muscle function
- The maintenance of normal blood pressure
