What exactly is potassium?

According to Lind Van Horn, Ph.D., and professor, “Potassium is a mineral that, along with magnesium, phosphate, and sodium, helps maintain fluid balance at the cellular level”. She explains that this mineral helps our cells’ healthy communication and function.

Interestingly, according to Daniela Novotny, clinical instructor and doctor of healthcare science, this nutrient is also responsible for conducting electrical impulses throughout our bodies. This makes potassium extremely important for muscle contraction, nerve impulses, and maintaining a regular heartbeat.

But that’s not all. This mineral, in appropriate amounts, can prevent hypertension and lower blood pressure. Since high blood pressure is a massive risk factor that can lead to cardiovascular disease, potassium can be beneficial in promoting long-term heart health.

Here’s the recommended intake of potassium

If you’re like most Americans, you’re probably not getting the right amount of this mineral. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans describe potassium as one of four nutrients of public health concerns due to insufficient potassium intake among Americans.

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a healthy adult should get 4,700 milligrams of potassium per day from food — though it sets an intake of 2,600 milligrams for women and 3,400 milligrams for men. Still, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights that the average potassium intake among Americans is well below recommended levels. In fact, the average American gets only 56% of this amount.