Potassium is one of seven inorganic, macro mineral nutrients needed in relatively high daily amounts. It is the third most prevalent element in the body after Calcium. Along with Chloride, Sodium, Magnesium, and Calcium, Potassium is an essential electrolyte. These elements are called electrolytes because they carry an electrical charge when dissolved in body fluids. These elements are distributed throughout the body's fluids, including blood, lymph, and interstitial fluids, as well as intracellular fluids.
Potassium has many functions but the most important are:
Regulating intracellular fluids
Aids in the regulation of the body's water balance
Facilitating nerve impulses
Transmission of electrical signals between nerves and cells
Contracting muscle tissue
Balancing the acid/alkaline system