Mineral

Functions

Sources

Signs of
Deficiencies

Signs of
Excessive Intake

Potassium (K)

Main base ion of intracellular fluid;
Necessary to maintain electrical potentials of the nervous system - and so functioning of muscle and nerve tissues.

Cereals;
Coffee;
Fresh Fruits;
Meat;
Salt-subsitutes;
Vegetables;
Whole-grain flour.

Insufficient potassium in the body may lead to:
General muscle paralysis;
Metabolic disturbances.

Excessive amounts in the body (whether due to intake or other causes) may lead to:
Arrhythmia, and ultimately cardiac arrest (”heart attack”).
Metabolic disturbances.